The McMath - Hulbert Observatory Then and Now
ESD Affiliate Council & IEEE Southeastern Michigan Section Event
The McMath - Hulbert Observatory Then and Now
The McMath Hulbert Observatory is a decommissioned scientific facility, in Lake Angelus, Michigan, which was founded by 3 amateur astronomers in 1930 and which quickly grew to become, for some thirty years, one of the foremost solar observatories in the world. During its active life it was operated by the University of Michigan, but its history of innovation in science and technology was dominated by one of its founders, Robert McMath, an industrialist, who, with no formal education in astronomy, went on to become a giant figure in the astronomy
world of the 20 th century.
Since it ceased operations in 1979 and passed into private ownership, efforts to conserve the substantial facility have varied and for several decades have rested in the hands of the McMath - Hulbert Astronomical Society, a small non profit group.
This presentation tells the history of the facility, its contributions to science and technology, and the story of how citizen science can become a significant factor when persued, with passion, by motivated individuals. It also reviews the current status of the observatory.
NOTE: This event is 'Free' to attend either 'In-person' or 'Virtually' (via ZOOM).
In person attendees will be able to join us for a 'light' dinner.
Virtual attendees are asked to arrange for their own refreshments.
Date and Time
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- 20700 Civic Center Dr
- Southfield, Michigan
- United States 48076
- Room Number: 450
- Contact Event Hosts
- Co-sponsored by Engineering Society of Detroit
- Starts 03 September 2026 01:00 PM UTC
- Ends 14 September 2026 04:05 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Jim of McMath Hulbert Astronomical Society
The McMath - Hulbert Observatory Then and Now
The McMath Hulbert Observatory is a decommissioned scientific facility, in Lake Angelus, Michigan, which was founded by 3 amateur astronomers in 1930 and which quickly grew to become, for some thirty years, one of the foremost solar observatories in the world.
Biography:
Jim Shedlowsky graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 with a degree in Engineering Physics. After spending 2 years as an artillery officer in the US Army in Germany, he worked for 36 years at General Motors as a Vehicle Development Engineer/Manager specializing in Acoustics, Noise and Vibration, retiring in 1999. In his spare time he wrote and recorded music for Epic and Roulette Records as one of the “Skee Brothers”, appearing on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in 1958.
Jim rekindled a lifelong interest in astronomy upon his retirement in 1999 and he joined the Warren Astronomical Society. His interests include observing and outreach, and he owns several telescopes, but in recent years his “passion” for astronomical history and technology has become a major interest. He is the Treasurer/Board Member of the McMath - Hulbert Astronomical Society, has visited a number of major observatories and has assembled a significant library in this regard.
Jim and his wife wintered in Mesa, Arizona for some 16 years (… a great place for observing ) and he participates in the activities of the Superstition Mountain Astronomical League. He took part in the “All Arizona Messier Marathon” in March of 2009, earning a certificate for observing 104 Messier objects in one night.
Email:
Address:Lake Angelus, Michigan, United States
Agenda
Plan of Activity:
5:00 PM - Setup & Confirm ZOOM connection
5:30 PM - Light Dinner at ESD HQ for 'in-person' attendees
5:45 PM - ZOOM 'Virtual attendees will be able to check in.
6:00 PM - Presentation by Jim Shedlowsky - McMath Hulbert Astronomical Society.
7:00 PM - Conclusion of Q&A and End of meeting.
Engineering Society of Detroit & IEEE Southeastern Michigan Section and Technical Chapters