Observing Site Summary
[Click on a site name for complete information.] |
| |
Cherry Grove Observatory |
Eagle Lake Observatory |
LLCC |
Joseph J. Casby |
Metcalf |
| Site Summary |
New roll-off observatory became operational in 2013 |
Sylvia A. Casby Observatory and HotSpot Classroom added in 2013 |
New storage garage for telescopes completed in 2009 |
The first MAS domed observatory
completed in 2010 | Original MAS observing site. In use since the 1970's |
| Map Location |
CGO map |
ELO map |
LLCC map |
JJ Casby map | Metcalf map |
| Access |
24/7 |
24/7
(Requires pre-arrangement if after normal park
hours) |
MAS Members only
Limited schedule
(See LLCC Events Calendar) |
24/7
MAS members who have attended Belwin Orientation | 24/7 |
| Annual Events |
Messier Marathon
Virgo Venture
Mini Messier Marathon |
Astronomy Day
Camping with the Stars
Fall Astronomy Day |
Northern Nights Star Fest |
Belwin Conservancy
Member Events |
None |
| Public Star Parties |
Generally, near 3rd Quarter Moon |
1st & 3rd Quarter Moon phases from March - November
Public S. P. Schedule |
Only when registered for
Northern Nights Star Fest |
None |
None |
| Star Parties |
Generally, near 3rd Quarter Moon
CGO event schedule |
None
Member use at their discretion |
Member use only on designated weekends
LLCC event schedule |
None
Member use at their discretion |
None
Member use at their discretion |
| Telescope pads |
Yes (2) |
Yes
(Observatory Plaza) |
No |
Yes (3) |
Yes (3) |
| Electricity |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Equipment |
24" StarMaster
12" Meade LX200
8" & 10" loaner Dob's |
Onan Observatory:
16" LX200, C-14, SV152, 20" Obsession & more.
Sylvia A Casby: 8'' TMB, Takahashi Mewlon 300 & 4'' Stellarvue |
30" Obsession
25" Obsession |
10" TMB refractor, TMB 130,
ST120 & 80mm Lunt Solar |
None |
| Nearest major town |
Cannon Falls |
Norwood-Young America |
Aitkin / McGregor |
Woodbury |
Woodbury |
| Observatory |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Parking |
Shared with observing field |
Separate from observing field and observatory |
On or adjacent to observing field |
Room for 5-6 cars near observatory |
Shared with observing field |
| Telescope Piers |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Privacy |
Off the beaten path, but on intersection of two
county roads |
Public park |
Conservation Center |
Private land |
Private land |
| Restrooms |
''Rustic'' Outhouse |
Nearby seasonal indoor at beach,
year-round indoor at park entrance & Outhouse |
Yes - In nearby Dining Hall |
Yes - In nearby classroom, requires code for access |
''Rustic'' Outhouse |
| Security |
Yes, key-code required |
Park closed to public after dark; Gated with security alarm, Caretaker on site |
Caretaker on site |
Gated with security alarm,
Caretaker on site |
Fenced and gated |
| Sky quality |
Very Dark
Twin Cities light dome to N, minor to SE; Scattered small town light domes
around horizon |
Dark
Twin Cities light dome to E and NE; Scattered small town light domes around
horizon |
Extremely dark |
Moderately polluted by St. Paul, Woodbury and
surrounding communities |
Moderately polluted by St. Paul, Woodbury and
surrounding communities |
| Sleeping |
Bunks in warming house
(Requires combination) |
Two bunks in observatory
(Keyholder access only) |
Accommodations available to MAS members |
None |
Bunks in warming house
(Requires combination) |
| Warming facility |
Yes
Combination Lock |
Yes
Keyholder access only |
Yes
Accommodations available to MAS members |
Yes
In nearby classroom, requires code |
Yes
Combination Lock |
| Other |
|
Regular Public Star Parties held from March - November
Public S. P. Schedule |
MAS-provided parking permit required
Review Rules of Use |
Review observatory
Guidelines / Procedure
and Visitation Rules |
|
| Contact Info |
[Click for info] |
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