“One of the principal features today is the Maria Mitchell Observatory in Vestal St. (formerly Goal Lane), which adjoins the birthplace of the celebrated female astronomer (professor at Vassar) whose name it bears. The observatory is modern — a memorial to Prof. Mitchell. I had a good chance to observe Saturn through its excellent 5” telescope.” (to J. Vernon Shea, 10th February 1935)

“I had an excellent view of Saturn” (to Arthur Harris, 1st September 1934)

He had once had a fever-vision of flying to Saturn…

though I often dream of things of the most bizarre and vivid sort … the only well-defined delirium I ever had was in 1903 … [I] mumbled things about flying to Mars and Saturn.

In summer 1934 the observatory’s observers (Margaret Harwood and John Heath) were noted for their work on discovering variable asteroids, and the observatory seemingly benefited from the general oversight of the Harvard College Observatory. The 1908 (“modern”, to Lovecraft’s thinking) elevation plans for the place show that the apparently twee external ‘garden house’ appearance actually hides hidden depths…

Pictures missing

Which may interest Mythos writers, as in “how far down does it go…”? Google StreetView shows the Observatory much as it was, though with side extensions. It appears to be open to interested visitors.

The resort town also has the Loines Observatory, which allows public viewing and is often confused with the Maria Mitchell Observatory, but the first dome there was not open until 1968…

“Since its establishment in 1968 and 1998, Loines Observatory’s two domes house multiple telescopes for research and public astronomical programs”.