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.
All 2011 Public Nights will be held on the first Saturday of each month (unless otherwise noted), March through November and special programs and member nights are offered on alternative weekends. Be sure to check our events and calendar. If weather permits, there will be an opportunity to view through the big scope as well as a variety of personal scopes. If weather is cloudy, there will be a program and folks who will be happy to take you on a tour of our Observatory. We welcome all visitors! Not only will you have access to view through this magnificent scope, but our members also have a variety of telescopes to help assist you on your celestial journey. Please feel free to also bring your own equipment as well.
If you will be traveling in the area, you are also welcome to visit the observatory by appointment. Members of the RAS must please contact the Observatory Director via the Bulletinboard link on the left to reserve telescope time. If you are interested in visiting the Observatory for an outreach program, or having us come and visit your group or school, please contact the webmaster.
Observatory Closed For Winter...
And so it has been another wonderful year here at Warren Rupp Observatory and Lowe-Volk Park! It won't be long until the snow starts falling and that means it's time for us to close until March, 2012.
Because the Observatory is on private property, the steep driveway up the Hill and the parking lot can sometimes be impassable due to snowfall. Even when we have a few nice days and it would appear the roads should be clear, we have curves and climbs in areas that are permanently shadowed by the pine trees that don't thaw all season. Since we care about you and your safety, we won't be offering any public programs or tours until March - if Ohio weather allows!
If you are interested in having us visit your school or group for a program, please feel free to contact us. If driving conditions and schedules permit, our volunteers will be happy to join you! In the meantime, we'll have two monthly meetings of the Richland Astronomical Society at a local restaurant where you are welcome to join us! This is an informal time where we just enjoy each other's company, talk astronomy over good food and plan for the future.
Have a safe snow season and we'll see you soon!
From Starfleet Command...
Captain's Log - Stardate: January 18, 2012: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! It's winter and time to hibernate. Looking back, it was a whirlwind summer. Between all our public nights, the new building going up, school and scout troops, our "Starry Nights" program, and our Hidden Hollow Star Party, plus our many member nights we've spent a lot of time in the dark! Whew! Thanks again to all our wonderful volunteers for making this happen. Just think of all the great things the new year will bring...
As an update, we've contracted an optician and the Big Blue Telescope will be back... Bigger and better than ever! This time we'll have a 36" mirror and tentatively be installed by mid-summer 2012. Mirrors take a long time to be ground to specific tolerances. Right now the mirror has met its f/ratio and it won't be long until the coating process begins and the re-build will start!
Thanks again and we look forward to being of even more service in the future! Hope to see everyone soon! ~Cap'n Mark
Bright Stars of Winter - The Constellation of Orion...
This month's video pick is a great learning tool! Just follow along as your guide explains how to find Orion and what you can see.
Right now is a great time of the year to enjoy the constellation of Orion and all it has to offer. Be sure to take along binoculars!
New Website Feature!
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!
In case you're wondering how to find us and would like to use a regular road map, please click here for a Google Map that will help! You'll find even more information on the "Welcome" link to your left.
Our Newsletter...
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!
At the Observatory...
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.
Would you like to donate to help restore the Observatory and the "Big Blue" telescope? We appreciate your help!
Educational Programs...
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!
Join Us For A Great Time!
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
Current Moon Phase
What does the Moon look like tonight? Here you go...
To help you plan your observing session, or to just get an idea of what to expect as far as the sky goes, here's a device that only takes a little bit of practice to learn how to read. The Clear Sky Clock goes by colors to show you what kind of conditions to expect. To learn more, just click!
The WRO/RAS was designed and donated by Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2012; Original Content - Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2012; All rights reserved. Site content is maintained by Tammy Plotner. All rights reserved.
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. 
And so it has been another wonderful year here at Warren Rupp Observatory and Lowe-Volk Park! It won't be long until the snow starts falling and that means it's time for us to close until March, 2012.
Captain's Log - Stardate: January 18, 2012: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! It's winter and time to hibernate. Looking back, it was a whirlwind summer. Between all our public nights, the new building going up, school and scout troops, our "Starry Nights" program, and our Hidden Hollow Star Party, plus our many member nights we've spent a lot of time in the dark! Whew! Thanks again to all our wonderful volunteers for making this happen. Just think of all the great things the new year will bring...
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! 
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.
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. 
