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Braeside Observatory

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Braeside Observatory is a small astronomical observatory about five miles west of Flagstaff, AZ, near the naval observatory and about a mile off the old road. Arizona State University once owned and operated it, and it is now privately owned. It adds to Flagstaff's long list of telescopes, though it is a working private site rather than a visitor attraction.

What is Braeside Observatory?

The observatory has two buildings. One houses a 16-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope, and the other is a control building. The telescope can be run from the control building or remotely from the university by computer.

Visiting Braeside Observatory: tips

Braeside is private property and is not described as open to visitors, so do not drive in. For astronomy you can visit, Lowell Observatory is about 4.8 miles away. The Arboretum at Flagstaff, about 2.4 miles off, makes a good daytime stop in the same area.

Practical info

On site & nearby

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Braeside Observatory with the 6 closest stops. Tap a marker for details.

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Stops near Braeside Observatory

All of Arizona
United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, Arizona

United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station

Flagstaff, Arizona · 0.7 mi from Route 66

The Navy's dark-sky telescope station west of Flagstaff, whose plates revealed Pluto's moon Charon in 1978.

Art & landmarksPhoto credit

0.7 mi from Braeside Observatory

The Arboretum at Flagstaff, Arizona

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona · 2.1 mi from Route 66

A 200-acre high-country garden of 750 plant species, set at 7,150 feet on Flagstaff's west side.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

2.4 mi from Braeside Observatory

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ

Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff, Arizona · 0.7 mi from Route 66

The Flagstaff observatory where Pluto was found in 1930, with a working 1896 telescope for public viewing.

Art & landmarksPhoto credit

4.8 mi from Braeside Observatory

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, AZ

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Flagstaff, Arizona · 0.2 mi from Route 66

A duplex mansion built for two lumber-baron brothers, preserved as a state park in Flagstaff.

Nature & parksPhoto credit

5.1 mi from Braeside Observatory

Weatherford Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ

Weatherford Hotel

Flagstaff, Arizona · 0.1 mi from Route 66

A downtown Flagstaff hotel opened by John W. Weatherford in 1897, one block from Route 66.

Historic hotelPhoto credit

5.7 mi from Braeside Observatory

Brannen-Devine House in Flagstaff, AZ

Brannen-Devine House

Flagstaff, Arizona · 0.1 mi from Route 66

An 1892 brick Queen Anne cottage built for a Flagstaff pioneer, a few blocks from Route 66.

Historic buildingPhoto credit

5.7 mi from Braeside Observatory

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