Visiting an Observatory in Gilbert, AZ

[jrkirkham]

I spent Christmas with two of my children in Arizona. While there I had the chance to visit the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory located at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. I have been planning to visit that observatory for years. The Riparian Preserve is my all-time favorite location for birding. I like astronomy and am a past president of our local Rotary club. It just seems natural that visit should be on my bucket list.

I was pleasantly surprised. A husband/wife team led the observing night. They had a video going for those who wanted to watch. They also had a meteorite collection for people to see. The observatory telescope was a Meade 16” RC. They had it trained on Saturn. The view was excellent, though a 16” scope in an urban sky isn’t that much more impressive than my 11” scope in a rural sky. I get to fiddle hands on with mine. It was “do not touch” for this one.

Most of all I came to meet the operators. They were part of the East Valley Astronomy Club. That club is impressive and crazy active. They operate the observatory for public viewing every clear Friday and Saturday night. In addition, they host (for a donation) private observing sessions. They host star parties every month. They have an active series of lectures with guest speakers at the library next door to the preserve. Those are also open to the public.

If you are ever in the Phoenix area, check them out. I hope to attend some of their events one day.

Meanwhile, back home in Illinois, we are getting hit with a triple blizzard and lots of snow. The cover is on my dome and my telescopes are all tucked in until the weather improves (usually March).

https://www.evaconline.org/

[Thefatkitty]

Rob, what a nice read and an interesting visit! Got to see the kids and visit the observatory, there's a win-win. Sounds like this club is a winner as well!
Hope you can get back there, maybe in the summer

That's quite the snowstorm you're getting; stay safe!

All the best,

[Lady Fraktor]

Thank you for sharing the trip Rob

[StarHugger]

Nice you finally got there Rob,

Thanks for the link, the websites Home image is spectacular...

[Bigzmey]

Sounds like a fun visit!

[Mike Q]

Nice trip. I am right there with you on the next time I will get out. By the way you dont have ti send the storm onto Ohio. We really dont want it

[helicon]

Sounds like you had a great time. Arizona sure has some advantages for astronomers. Stay safe in that weather. Meanwhile here we are going from a coastal flood advisory to 6 degrees by tomorrow as artic air comes down from the great white north.