Warren Rupp Observatory is one of the world's largest amateur operated telescopes. Nestled in the pastoral setting of Hidden Hollow, near Mansfield, Ohio we boast of some of the darkest skies in the state. The Rupp Scope and the Richland Astronomical Society dedicate themselves to public awareness of Astronomy. 
That's right... It's time to start thinking and planning on attending the Hidden Hollow Star Party! You'll find a link to your left to fill you in on all the guest speakers, activities, vendors, prizes, contests and more. As always, a star party means information gets progressively updated, so be sure to check back often and join us for the fun!
We promise you won't be disappointed. ;)
This year it was our great pleasure to enjoy a large group of students from Germany for the evening! They had contacted us several months in advance and we couldn't wait for their visit. What a wonderful way to share cultures!
The young folks had been on a whirlwind tour of the U.S., taking in all that they could. Of course, visiting at WRO means you're going to get treated to a cookout and home cooked dishes! It was fantastic to see these bright young ladies and gentlemen enjoying themselves. Many had never seen a lightning bug before and we were happy to supply them!
Our many thanks go to them for giving us a great evening and we hope your visit with us provides you with a happy memory!
Are you ready for another great time? Then you can always join us at Galion's Lowe Volk Park on the second Saturday of every month. Our programs will be led by one of our premier outreach people - Dan Everly - and will begin around sunset.
Lowe-Volk Park is 38 acres in size and features an award-winning Nature Center, one and one-half miles of hiking trails that visit three streams including the start of the Sandusky River in Ohio, a picnic area, catch and release fishing in the pond, fishing in the streams, fern covered sandstone ledges, forests, wetlands, a pond, and open fields. The Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center features a classroom, 17 interpretive nature and local history exhibits, live reptile and amphibian displays, a bird feeder and butterfly garden observation room, and equipment for student use in programs such as binoculars, nets, hand lenses, etc. The park is located on State Route 598 three miles north of Galion. The Nature Center is handicapped accessible and has restrooms available.
Captain's Log - Stardate: August 3, 2010: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers!
Wow! Talk about HOT! And the summer nights are going to heat up even more as it's time to start planning for our annual Hidden Hollow Star Party! Pre-registration is greatly appreciated so we can plan best for your comfort and needs. Besides, it's the only star party around where the party goes on... rain or shine! (And if you enjoy helping with set-up? Please consider coming a day early and enjoying some informal time with our group!)
In the meantime, I would like to thank all the great people who have requested programs for your groups. They've been pouring in like... well... like rain! Please realize that we cannot control the weather conditions and the majority of we volunteers have a work schedule that sometimes makes late night sessions difficult for us to schedule. Please be patient and we'll try our best to accommodate your group as soon as possible. Many thanks also go to our program volunteers for all your great help and dedication. You guys rock! In the meantime, please make use of our Club Calendar to keep updated on events. ~Tammy
Are you ready for this month's video pick? Then sit back, fire up your imagination and learn all about our Universe...
Are you ready for another great resource? Then hang on to your hats as the NASA Night Sky Network gives us an even bigger hand with public outreach!
If you're interested in having the Observatory provide you with an educational program, you can now easily request one by visiting the NASA NightSky Network site and simply enter it in. But that's not all it features! You'll find maps of our location as well as upcoming Club events. Be sure to use this handy new tool by just click on "Request A Progam". We'll do our best to try to schedule you around our work and weather!
If you want to keep up with all the happenings, like who has completed what observing project, is attending classes, or just has something new to say? This is your resource. If you weren't able to attend a regular club meeting and would like to know what's going on? Here's where you'll find it. Wondering if we've gotten any new club members? This is where we post 'em. Do you have an article, idea or astrophoto you'd like to post? Then this is the place to go!
The M111 On-Line is your #1 resource for finding out all the news that is the news. Use it!
Would you like to take a look at what's out there? On the first Saturday night of every month (March - November) Warren Rupp Observatory is open to the public - with the exception of severe weather. During the Winter months we still have Club meetings, observe and offer tours when weather permits. Keep us in mind, and we'll see ya'll soon!
Here at Warren Rupp Observatory, we are proud to offer entertaining astronomical education as part of our normal public star parties each month. Here you will find out more about our solar system, black holes, supernovae, space missions, the Sun, the Moon, comets, meteors, the distant galaxies and much, much more. We vary our presentation each time so that everyone has a chance to learn something new and all programs are suitable for children and adults alike.
Do you have a group or organization that you feel would benefit from a special program? Please feel free to contact us to make special arrangements. We enjoy traveling to schools and libraries - just as much as we enjoy having your group come here as well! All it takes is just a little prior arrangement.
As always, there is never a charge for any program we do. All of our members, educators and presenters are strictly volunteer and we do what we do because we love to do it. Of course, we always welcome donations. Old telescopes that need a loving home are re-furbished and put into the hands of our guests. Astronomy books, space related toys and educational videos are among the many things we need... And share! We're here for you year round!
Are you interested in visiting? Good! Please come and visit us in the Spring. You'll have a great time!
Warren Rupp Observatory
5127 O'Possum Run Road
Mansfield, Ohio
www.wro.org
Public Nights Open At Sunset
Warren Rupp Observatory is proud to be associated with these fine groups and endorse these resources...
