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High Knoll Observatory!
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High Knoll Observatory! This is the largest observatory to be found among the HAC membership, and certainly one of the largest amateur facilities in all of Arizona. Neal Galt, 'The Backyard Astronomer', is the proud owner of HKO, which is located several miles east of the city of Sierra Vista and which also commands a view of not only the magnificent dark skies of SEAz, but much of the San Pedro Valley, lying between the Mule Mountains on the east, and the Huachuca Mountains on the west.
Neal's 30 foot by 30 foot observatory is home to a 36 inch Newtonian Reflector, surely again one of the largest aperture amateur telescopes in Arizona, if not the largest. When aimed at the zenith, the eyepiece is at a breathtaking height of 16 feet above the observatory floor. And what a view through the eyepiece, regardless of the celestial object chosen! It is a good thing that the ladder being used has hand rails, because I'm sure many folks would fall off just from the spectacular view through the eyepiece!
Neal has provided some great photos of the observatory, showing various aspects of it and the telescope, along with a couple of more photos that highlight the security measures being taken at High Knoll Observatory. |
Look Toward the Northeast
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A view of the observatory looking towards the northeast. Note the 'Omega Centauri' flap at the front to give a view into the more southerly skies.
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The 36 Incher
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A photo from inside the observatory gives an indication of the scale of this 36 incher. The camera could not even get it all in! A shroud, of unimaginable size, blocks stray light from striking the mirror. As shown, it is not completely down to the mirror box. The observatory walls are 6' high and the floor size is 30' x 30'. And look at those blue Arizona skies! |
Omega Centauri
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This photo, taken from outside and looking into the observatory through the 'Omega Centauri' flap, provides a good view of the mirror box and the upper tube assembly. You can see one of Neal's smaller scopes - maybe a future finder scope for the 36"? |
<< Previous 1 2 3 Next >>
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Alkira Observatory (AO)
Desert Coyote Observatory (DCO)
Desert Starlight Observatory (DSO)
Discovery Observatory West (DOW)
High Knolls Observatory (HKO)
Junk Bond Observatory (JBO)
Palominas Observatory (PO)
RepoGazer Observatory (RGO)
Song of the Lamb Observatory (SOLO)
Sonoita Hills Observatory (SHO)
Tombstone Observatory (TO)
Wind Spirit Observatory (WSO)
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