Built in 2001* the Observatory currently has two 14" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes which have their own "go to" computer systems, allowing volunteers to "order up" various celestial bodies. From the Shoemaker Open-Sky Planetarium** one can enjoy Jupiter and its Galilean moons, sparkling star clusters, far-out galaxies, and the ever-popular Great Orion nebula. The last time I visited the Observatory I was amazed to see Saturn's rings so clearly--what an astronomical treat! The volunteers are unfailingly helpful and enthusiastic (including long-time stargazer and docent Anita Berkow); kudos to them for keeping this Chico treasure available for our viewing pleasure.
Open Thursday through Sunday from 6 - 9 p.m. (on clear nights only), the Observatory is located near Horseshoe Lake. The web site features a weather forecast box which is updated hourly. Be sure to dress warmly during fall/winter/spring visits!
* With donations by: Greater Chico Kiwanis, Slater & Sons Construction, Eagle Security, the Geosciences department from California State University at Chico, the Chico Unified School District, North Valley Astronomers, Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society, and the Greater Chico Chamber of Commerce.
** The brainchild of local astonomy educator Kris Koenig, director of the Observatory. The "Open-Sky Planetarium" was named for famed comet hunter (and CSUC grad) Carolyn Spellman Shoemaker, a research scientist at Lowell Observatory and wife of the late great planetary scientist Eugene Shoemaker, tragically killed in a car accident in 1997 on the Tanami Road northwest of Alice Springs, Australia while searching for previously undiscovered meteor craters. On July 31, 1999, some of his cremains were carried to the moon by the Lunar Prospector space probe. To date, he is the only person to have the distinction of being interred on the moon. The memorial capsule (designed by American planetary scientist Carolyn Porco) is inscribed with images of Comet Hale-Bopp, the Barringer Crater, and a quotation from Romeo and Juliet:
Talk about a romantic tragedy...
** The brainchild of local astonomy educator Kris Koenig, director of the Observatory. The "Open-Sky Planetarium" was named for famed comet hunter (and CSUC grad) Carolyn Spellman Shoemaker, a research scientist at Lowell Observatory and wife of the late great planetary scientist Eugene Shoemaker, tragically killed in a car accident in 1997 on the Tanami Road northwest of Alice Springs, Australia while searching for previously undiscovered meteor craters. On July 31, 1999, some of his cremains were carried to the moon by the Lunar Prospector space probe. To date, he is the only person to have the distinction of being interred on the moon. The memorial capsule (designed by American planetary scientist Carolyn Porco) is inscribed with images of Comet Hale-Bopp, the Barringer Crater, and a quotation from Romeo and Juliet:
- "And, when he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun."
Talk about a romantic tragedy...
Quiz: Can you name the eight planets of our solar system in order from the Sun out? Click here for the answer. (Sadly, Pluto is not among them, having been "downsized" to "Dwarf Planet" status in 2006.)
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