CAS Observatories

Overview

The observatories at CAS are provided for member use at any time. Our members participate in training courses with each observatory for the purpose of becoming efficient in their use, providing adequate safety, and preserving the integrity of each observatory for their continued operation. There is a minimum of two training sessions per telescope required to qualify for access.

A qualifying session is one where your instructor challenges you to find specific targets in the sky, some visible to the naked eye, and some not. This ensures you have learned proper acquisition techniques such as star hopping and will be successful operating the telescope. A qualifying session must be conducted under clear sky conditions.

Passing the qualification training is up to the individual instructor. Members should expect that each observatory may require different amounts of training depending on their complexity, size, and other conditions such as their overall value to the Society. Furthermore, a passing qualification session requires a clear night for the members to qualify, as showing proficiency for locating chosen celestial objects is required to ensure the quality of the members’ experience when using each telescope.

We also assist members with training on their own telescopes if requested.

The Observatories

Equatorial mounted Newtonian.

Considered the workhorse of our telescope fleet, the 14-inch reflector is the first telescope new members begin training with. Built over the course of 20 years by John Cartlidge, and acquired by CAS in the 1950s this telescope is a Newtonian reflector with a focal length of 77 inches and an f-ratio of f/5.5.

16-inch f/5.5 fork-mounted Newtonian.

Located at CAS Headquarters Our 16-inch fork mounted reflector is a favorite of many CAS members. With a focal length of 88 inches (2235mm) and an f ratio of f/5.5 this telescope delivers fantastic views whether looking for galaxies, nebulas or even comets. Also by using the custom-made hand controller, observers can fine tune their slewing without having to manually move the telescope. This feature comes in very handy when standing on the ladder during use.

Access to this observatory requires pre-qualification on the CAS 14-inch reflector at our headquarters.

A computer guided rig for Astrophotography and easy observing

This observatory holds the Explore Scientific 102ED triplet mounted on an Atlas EQ-G mount. The mount provides rock-solid tracking and has a catalogue of over 42,000 available objects to choose from. This scope can be used for quick observations or astrophotography.

The scope has a focal length of 714mm and a f-ratio of f/7.

Access to this observatory requires pre-qualification on the CAS 14-inch and 16-inch reflectors at our headquarters.

They dont make them like this any more.

The jewel of our observatories is the 8-inch Alvan Clark refractor manufactured in 1880. This telescope, which was acquired by CAS in 1924, offers a 120 inch (3048 mm) focal length bringing its focal ratio to f/15. A favorite of planetary observers in the club, this telescope is also used for solar observing as well when accompanied with its hydrogen-alpha filter. CAS members should expect many training sessions before becoming qualified on this telescope, as it is irreplaceable among our many observatories.

Access to this observatory requires extensive training due to the historic nature of this telescope, as well as pre-qualification on the CAS 14-inch and 16-inch, reflectors at our headquarters. Members should expect to invest some time in training on this telescope over multiple sessions with multiple trainers.

A large aperture telescope in very dark skies

Our Starfield Observatory Dark Sky Site hosts a structure built by long-time CAS members Steve and Sue Rismiller. The telescope within, designed by Steve Rismiller, features a 20-inch mirror manufactured by mirror legend Dick Wesseling. The telescope is an f/5.6 with a focal length of 108 inches (2743mm). Through this telescope you can see dust lanes in Andromeda (M31) and structure within the Orion Nebula (M42). It is a tremendous experience viewing through such a large telescope in these dark skies.

Access to this observatory requires several guided training/observing sessions as well as previous qualification on both the 14-inch and 16-inch reflectors at CAS headquarters.