Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Warner and Swasey’s Observatory was an astronomical observatory under Case Western Reserve University. Once a world-famous scientific observatory for astronomical research today turned into an isolated place in Ohio. The observatory is situated on Taylor Road, in East Cleveland, Ohio. It was named after Worcester. R. Warner and Ambrose Swasey, who was the founder of this elegant observatory. 

History of Warner and Swasey Observatory

The Warner and Swasey observatory had a proud history, which makes this place valuable till now. The observatory was originally built by Warner and Swasey Company, they are famous for making valuable instruments and telescopes. The observatory was the home of a 9.5-inch refractor, which was dedicated in 1920. In the following years, the observatory was home to many more telescopes and instruments like a 24 inch Burrell Schmidt. It included an astronomical library and a public lecture hall. 

The whole observatory was designed by the firm of Walker and Weeks. The observatory was also famous for much important astronomical research which was done here. One of the famous researches was done here by the observatory's then-director Jason Nassau, who classified Carbon and M-type stars in 1949. Another important research that was done in recent years was the discovery of Galaxy Andromeda VIII in 2003 by using the Burrell Schmidt telescope. The same telescope had also been used to image the intracluster light in the Virgo Cluster. 

One of the first instruments of the observatory was its 9.5-inch rooftop telescope which was installed in 1894, but due to some reasons it was put into storage but in 1986 it was reinstalled on the roof of A. W building. 

Closure of Warner and Swasey Observatory

The light pollution of Cleveland in 1958 was the first reason for this observatory's closure. Because of the light pollution, it was impossible to do cutting-edge research here in this observatory. So the authority decided to move the observatory to 30 km away in Geauga county. And Burrell Schmidt also moved from this observatory. After that, no astronomical research had been done here and the place became isolated. To counteract this thing a new rooftop telescope or refractor was installed here at the Taylor Road facility. But in later years the Taylor Road facility was sold in 1983. The whole facility was isolated from human hands until 2005. In 2005 a couple purchased the facility to convert it into a residence.

Recentre of the Warner and Swasey observatory

The Warner and Swasey Observatory, which has more than 20 years of glorious history, is now fully abandoned and home to a 9.5-inch refractor or rooftop telescope, which is supervised under Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. After its last potential owner went to jail this place is operated by the University Circle campus. But most of the place was taken by nature. Several observatory buildings are damaged by the effects of the elements. And you can also find the walls covered by graffiti.