The SKAE Astronomy Center, generously established by Peter and Leslie Skae, is a state-of-the-art facility advancing St. Thomas Aquinas College’s mission to provide hands-on, interdisciplinary learning across the sciences and beyond. Designed to foster exploration and discovery, the Center deepens our commitment to experiential STEM education and academic innovation
The Center serves as a dynamic hub for undergraduate research, general education courses, and community engagement. Inside, a flexible classroom space supports immersive instruction, guest lectures, and interactive programs, while integrated audio-visual displays offer real-time access to celestial observations.
Open to both the College and the broader public, the SKAE Astronomy Center will host star parties, educational events, and guest speakers—inviting learners of all ages to connect with the cosmos. The facility will also be available for school programs, private group experiences, and select event rentals, offering a one-of-a-kind setting to inspire curiosity and wonder.
NEVER MISS A MOMENT UNDER THE STARS
Scroll down to view our list of upcoming events and sign up for our email list to receive updates about upcoming events, programs, and exciting news from the SKAE Astronomy Center. From stargazing opportunities to community activities, you’ll be the first to know what’s happening. If you’re interested in renting the space, visit our Facility Rentals page.
community observation nights
Join us for a Community Observation Night at the SKAE Astronomy Center. These evenings invite stargazers of all ages to explore the night sky, observe planets, stars, comets, and galaxies, and enjoy engaging astronomy programming.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, March 31 @ 8:35 PM — Rescheduled from March 3
Tuesday, April 14 @ 8:35 PM — Rain Date: Tuesday, April 21 @ 8:35 PM
Tuesday, May 5 @ 8:35 PM — Rain Date: Tuesday, May 12 @ 8:35 PM
Saturday, June 6 @ 8:30 PM — Rain Date, Tuesday, June 9 @ 8:30 PM
Please note: Events are weather permitting. If an evening must be canceled, we’ll post updates on the College’s website.
INSIDE OUR HIGH-TECH TELESCOPE
At the heart of the SKAE Astronomy Center is a powerful 24-inch Cassegrain telescope, built by DFM Engineering Inc., with a 192-inch focal length that allows for stunningly detailed views. Housed within a secure Steel Ash-Dome—one of the few of its kind in the region—the telescope is remotely operated using TheSky™ software, enabling precise and automatic tracking of stars, planets, galaxies, and more.
Support the SKAE Astronomy Center
When you support the SKAE Astronomy Center at St. Thomas Aquinas College, you open doors to discovery for our students while also enriching our community with programming, educational experiences, and stargazing opportunities. Your generosity fuels exploration, inspires innovation, and empowers the next generation of scientists, educators, and leaders to reach for the stars.
