


Stargate ObservatoryStargate
observatory is owned and operated by the Society. Located on the grounds of
Camp Rotary on 29 Mile Road, 1.8 miles east of Romeo Plank Road, Stargate
Observatory features a 12.5 inch f/17 club-built cassegrain telescope under
a steel dome. The club also owns a 22" Dob, plus many loaner scopes for
members to use. The observatory is open to all club members in accordance
to the Stargate Observatory Rules published in
the member handbook. Those wishing to use the observatory must call the 2nd
VP by 7:00 pm on the evening of the session.
Stargate Observatory is located at 82° 55'04" West Longitude, 42°
45'29" North Latitude. The
telescope at Stargate Observatory was originally designed as an f/4 Newtonian,
and debuted during 1966 under a dome on the roof of Warren's Lincoln High.
The telescope was refigured as an f/17 Classical Cassegrain, and was moved
to Stargate Observatory during the spring of 1970. The telescope underwent
a major refurbishment during 1992-4, and reopened as a dual-purpose telescope,
easily convertible between its f/17 Classical Cassegrain design and its f/4
Newtonian design.
The club's payment for use of the land at Camp Rotary is an agreement to provide
up to 2 lectures/observing sessions per month to people camping at Camp Rotary.
The lectures are provided on a volunteer basis by members of the club. If
you wish to become a lecturer, contact the 2nd Vice President. Club officers,
lecturers, and subgroup chairpersons are entitled to their own set of keys
to the observatory as a token of the club's appreciation.
