Observatory

The observatory's telescopes can be used for both research and public viewing. The observatory is open to the public only during scheduled Open House events.

The latest addition to our collection is a Planewave CDK 700 27-inch telescope. Images are captured by an Andor Ikon-L CCD in addition to a Takahashi Petzval refractor. The telescope is housed inside of a clamshell, AstroHaven dome. This telescope is located next to the original dome which houses a Meade 16-inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain with an attached 5-inch Televue refractor.

Each telescope uses special CCD cameras to image faint astronomical objects. The cameras pick up details that the eye is unable to detect. The cameras can also collect data for long periods of time while tracking the motion of the stars in order to capture detail.

Directions

View and print directions to the Observatory.

Parking is limited, so please be aware of vehicles coming and going, as we have excited little visitors. The drive into the parking area is a one-way drive. It is narrow and does not have room for passing vehicles. Please do not park on the drive beyond the gate before the parking lot. Additional parking is available on the paved County Road 4208 or in the parking area at the Observatory only.

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The observatory is located approximately five miles south of Commerce.

Directions: Traveling south of Commerce on Highway 50, turn east on County Road 4208. The entrance to the Observatory is approximately half a mile on the left.