Stargate Observatory, owned and operated by the Society, is located on the grounds of Camp Rotary (within Wolcott Mill Metropark) at

Stargate features a 12.5-inch f/17 club-built Cassegrain telescope under a steel dome. The club also owns a 22" Dob, plus many loaner scopes for members to use. The observatory is open to all club members in accordance to the Stargate Observatory Rules published in the member handbook. Those wishing to use the observatory must call the 2nd VP by 7:00 pm on the evening of the session.

The telescope at Stargate Observatory was originally designed as an f/4 Newtonian and debuted during 1966 under a dome on the roof of Warren's Lincoln High. The telescope was refigured as an f/17 Classical Cassegrain and was moved to Stargate Observatory during the spring of 1970. The telescope underwent a major refurbishment during 1992-4, and reopened as a dual-purpose telescope, easily convertible between its f/17 Classical Cassegrain design and its f/4 Newtonian design.

The club's payment for use of the land at Camp Rotary is an agreement to provide up to 2 lectures/observing sessions per month to people camping at Camp Rotary. The lectures are provided on a volunteer basis by members of the club. If you wish to become a lecturer, contact the 2nd Vice President. Club officers, lecturers, and subgroup chairpersons are entitled to their own set of keys to the observatory as a token of the club's appreciation.

 

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© 2009 Warren Astronomical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 1505, Warren, Michigan 48090-1505