Entry No. 26 — the Pittsburgh file — filed under: outdoor
Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory
Run by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, this hilltop observatory is the first amateur astronomical facility in Western Pennsylvania, offering public star parties far from city light pollution.
The story
Perched on a high ridge inside Deer Lakes Park in Tarentum, the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory was built by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) as Western Pennsylvania's first dedicated amateur astronomical facility. It takes its name from Dr. Nicholas E. Wagman—a former director of Allegheny Observatory who made enough noise in celestial mechanics that he got asteroid 3110 Wagman named after him.
The real draw for deep-sky junkies is the facility's 11-inch refractor scope made by John Brashear’s legendary Pittsburgh optical company. While urban glow washes out the Milky Way across most of Allegheny County, this hilltop cutout preserves enough dark sky for volunteer astronomers to train historic glass on distant nebulae, planetary rings, and faint star clusters during public Star Parties.
What it's like
Drive up Kurn Road into Deer Lakes Park after sunset and look for the red tail lights. On Star Party nights, AAAP members park their own personal telescopes out on the grass alongside the observatory dome, eager to show off deep-sky targets. Ridge winds make it significantly colder than the city below, so bring a heavy jacket even in late spring. Bring a red-lens flashlight—or slap red cellophane over your phone screen—because clicking on a bright white beam in the main observation field will earn you immediate side-eye from night-adapted stargazers. Call 724-224-2510 before heading out to verify sky conditions and clear-weather status.
The move: Head up for a 'Dark Sky' Star Party during a new moon, lay out a blanket, and look through their massive Brashear 11-inch refractor telescope to spot distant nebulae.
- 📍 Deer Lakes Park
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 225 Kurn Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Mars Flying Saucer — Pair local space history with local space humor by visiting the 3,000-pound saucer in Mars town square before heading to the observatory at dusk.
- The Barefoot Forge — Connect historic metal and glass crafts by taking an afternoon ironworking class in Hampton Township before driving up the ridge to look through a 19th-century-style optical scope.
- Bayernhof Museum — Spend the afternoon exploring an eccentric Bavarian mansion overlooking the Allegheny River before escaping light pollution for an evening star party.
Good to know
When is the observatory open to the public?
Public Star Parties run on select weekends from spring through autumn, usually timed around moon phases. Because overcast weather cancels events, always confirm operations on the AAAP website or call 724-224-2510 before driving out.
Is there an entry fee?
Star Parties are free and open to the public, though donations supporting the volunteer-run observatory are welcomed.
What equipment is available to look through?
The observatory houses a historic 11-inch Brashear refractor telescope, supplemented by various member-owned reflector and catadioptric scopes set up outdoors.
What should I bring with me?
Pack extra warm layers, a folding chair or blanket for lawn sitting, and a red-filtered flashlight to protect everyone's night vision.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: 3ap.org · cbsnews.com · alleghenycounty.us · Wikipedia
last checked: 2026-07-21