New Hope Observatory

Observing God’s Handiwork Declared by the Heavens

Our Observatory here at New Hope is equipped with the Setterfield 16″ diameter Ritchey-Chretian Telescope. It is one of the best public viewing facilities in Oregon and we welcome you to come out and gaze at the wonder’s of God’s creation.

Celestial Photo Gallery

Click for Celestial Photo Gallery

Also, visit one of our local astronomers, John Bunyan’s website, Grants Pass Astronomers, for much more star gazing information.

Star Parties

Open viewing nights for the general public:

  1. A $4 viewing fee is requested/person to help defray observatory expenses.
  2. Groups of 6 or more must make reservations by contacting New Hope.
  3. Bring your telescopes for others to look through while taking turns to see through New Hope’s telescope.  Electrical outlets are available.
  4. Bring good binoculars. New Hope has eight pairs that can be borrowed.
  5. Do not bring flashlights unless they are small and covered with a red filter.  Even then use should be very limited.
  6. This is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free campus.
  7. Park in the parking lot off of Hidden Valley Road and follow posted directions to the observatory.  Handicap, elderly, or those bringing a heavy telescope may enter parking lots off of New Hope Road.

2011 Scheduled Saturday Viewing Nights

(Observatory will be closed if foggy or cloudy)

All start at 8pm unless otherwise noted.

Saturday May 28th
Saturday Jun. 25th
Saturday July 30th
Saturday Aug. 20th
Saturday Sept. 24th
Saturday Oct. 22nd
Saturday Nov. 26th*

* Note: For all these dates except March 12th and November 26th, the USA is functioning on Daylight Saving Time. DST starts March 13th and ends November 6th. Therefore, we recommend starting each star party at 8pm or thereabouts with an inspection of the telescopes while it is still light. This will be followed by a 45+ minute presentation in the Cafeteria. At about 9pm the observing will commence, in most cases beginning with the Moon. This will be followed by other available objects. In the case of March and November, if the weather is still good, we should plan to start about 7pm as it will be dark by then or soon after.

Other times of the week may be scheduled by contacting New Hope.

 

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