Sr. Marie Kernaghan, RSCJ Observatory
The Sr. Marie Kernaghan, RSCJ Observatory offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore astronomy and deepen their understanding of the universe. Established in 2000 as part of an initiative to immerse students in STEM fields, the observatory honors the founder of the first Sacred Heart school. This advanced observatory was made possible by a generous donation from the Eisenberg family.
Upgraded in 2018 through a partnership with IBM, the observatory now boasts a modern 14-inch diameter reflecting telescope, complemented by an 85mm TeleVue refractor telescope and an 80mm Lunt solar telescope. These enhancements allow for both day and night viewing and support a wide range of astronomical research.
Students View the Partial
Solar Eclipse
An Interdisciplinary Resource
The observatory serves as an interdisciplinary resource, integrating with the K-12 curriculum and enriching studies in theology and English by connecting students with real-world astronomical phenomena and deepening their understanding of the natural world and its connection to God’s creation. Additionally, astronomy is taught as an elective, providing students with hands-on experience in scientific observation and exploration.
Students from Sacred Heart Greenwich and area schools have utilized the observatory to observe the Sun, planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. They have also participated in data acquisition for calculating the size, shape, and position of asteroids. Additionally, the observatory supports research on exoplanets, supernovae, stellar spectroscopy, and astrophotography.
The Kernaghan Observatory is named
in honor of Sr. Marie Kernaghan, RSCJ
(1900–1986)
A pioneering woman in science, Sr. Marie Kernaghan was the first woman to earn a doctorate from Saint Louis University, with a degree in physics. During her remarkable career at Maryville College in St. Louis, she corresponded with some of the most prominent physicists of the 20th century. Sr. Kernaghan’s life and work exemplified a profound pursuit of knowledge, guided by curiosity and faith in the Creator of all light.
"Sr. Marie Kernaghan was a remarkable woman whose love of science and faith in God’s creation inspired generations of students, and naming the Kernaghan Observatory in her honor celebrates both her pioneering achievements and the spirit of curiosity, discovery, and intellectual courage that we seek to cultivate in every Sacred Heart Greenwich student."
Michael F. Baber, President
Weekly Community Viewing Schedule & Directions
Fridays 7:00 - 9:00 pm (weather depending, call Observatory voicemail to confirm)
The observatory fosters a lifelong love of learning and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and God's creation. Weekly community viewing sessions are open to all students, families, and faculty, allowing them to explore the skies and continue their discovery of the universe. These sessions offer a unique chance for students to nurture their curiosity about space and science beyond the classroom and experience celestial events throughout the year. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe star clusters, binary stars, and other celestial wonders.
Directions to the Observatory
Access the observatory via car by following the Observatory/Maintenance signs down the narrow road and around to the silver-domed observatory located behind the Maintenance building.
Call the Observatory voicemail at 203-532-3322 for viewing confirmation or cancellation on Friday at 6pm.
Meet the Team
