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 2013 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.
Public Night, May 4, 2013...
Warmer weather and longer days are here! Now it's to celebrate by enjoying the night!
Please join us at Warren Rupp Observatory on Saturday, May 4 for our monthly Public Night. We'll begin with our general meeting at 7:00 p.m. and you are welcome to join us. At approximately 8:00 p.m., we'll have a program by one of our NASA NightSky Network representatives - Chad Ruhl - on "Exploring Our Solar System"!
Our programs are suitable for all ages and there is no charge to enjoy the evening with us. Feel free to bring the whole family and have some fun!
We thank you for your interest in the Observatory and we hope you'll join us many times during this new observing year. There's lots of exciting things coming up!
Lowe Volk Park Observing Open....
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.
Lowe Volk Park Observing is the third Saturday of each month, so check our calendar for news of stargazing opportunities!
From Starfleet Command...
Captain's Log - Stardate: May 1, 2013: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! With the winter behind us, we can start focusing on what we like to do best, observing and sharing. I'm looking forward to seeing new faces on the hill.
This year, we're expanding our sharing, with the WRO "Out of This World Food Drive". Just five non-perishable food items will get you a ticket for a chance to win a new Orion SkyQuest XT8i Intelliscope and a one year membership to the Richland Astronomical Society. You may enter as many times as you like, and you can also purchase additional tickets for $5.00 each. The drawing will be held November 2, 2013. All proceeds will donated to the Salvation Army's Food and Nutrition Program.
Come join us on the hill, and take a ride on the lift up to Big Blue! ~Cap'n Mike
Tonight's Sky: May 2013...
Do you go outside and night and wonder what's out there this time of year? Then here's a video for you...
Backyard stargazers get a monthly guide to the northern hemisphere's skywatching events with "Tonight's Sky." May is a great month for eclipses, both lunar and solar! And the Eta Aquarid meteors are here to shower the night with lovely sights.
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!
Out Of This World Food Drive...
Would you like to take a look at what's out there? How about donating to a worthy cause at the same time? Right now if you donate five non-perishable food items - or $5 - you'll be entered in our "Out Of This World Food Drive" to win an 8" Orion Intelliscope and a year's membership!
If you can't come to the Observatory, but would like to add your support through the $5 donation, just use the PayPal button below and enter it as a donation or gift. Please put your name, address, phone and maybe even a email where we can reach you in the "Comments" section in the event you win! All proceeds go directly to the Mansfield Chapter of the Salvation Army to feed the hungry. 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!
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 2008-2015; Original Content - Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2015; 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. 
Warmer weather and longer days are here! Now it's to celebrate by enjoying the night!
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: May 1, 2013: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! With the winter behind us, we can start focusing on what we like to do best, observing and sharing. I'm looking forward to seeing new faces on the hill.
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? How about donating to a worthy cause at the same time? Right now if you donate five non-perishable food items - or $5 - you'll be entered in our "Out Of This World Food Drive" to win an 8" Orion Intelliscope and a year's membership!
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. 
