Boyden Observatory is situated 26 km east of the City of Bloemfontein in South Africa. In addition to its role as an astronomical research station, Boyden Observatory also has a Science Education Centre, under the auspices of the University of the Free State and with the support of its donors and the Friends of Boyden.

Boyden is committed to bringing a high standard of scientific education and exposure to the public and youth. A Boyden Educational Assistant program is in place, consisting partly from members of the Bloemfontein Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), which assures a high quality level during presentations and telescope observations.  The Observatory has an active educational program and is one of the most publically accessible observatories in the country, providing a memorable experience to all its visitors, including school groups from all backgrounds. 

The Observatory hosts frequent public events in the form of open evenings and a regular weekly event on selected Fridays. In addition, groups and schools can also visit Boyden on appointment during the week and weekends. Visitors can choose from a variety of digital presentations, ranging from topics such as human and robotic spaceflight, planetary exploration, astronomical themes (e.g. The Solar System, Mars, Zoom Journey to the Stars etc.) for all age groups. 

In addition to open evenings for the public, groups of people, organizations and schools are welcome to arrange their own visit to Boyden.  International amateur astronomers or tourists are also welcome to visit the observatory.

Recent Events:

During the Boyden Open Evening (22 August 2009), a rocket building workshop was held. The rockets were later launched during a spectacular show.

UFS Physics Department Boyden Observatory is managed by the Department of Physics at the Un iversity of the Free State, Bloemfontein