NEW for 2003 Please note the new dates for PUBLIC NIGHTS and MEETINGS!: The observatory holds an open-house for the public on the FIRST Saturday of each month or by appointment. (weather permitting.. EXCEPTIONS: in December, January and February we are open by appointment ONLY due to extreme weather.) Click here for sound controls at the bottom of the page
Come join us in an evening that you will never forget. Either we will do something stupid and you will always remember the Astro-Nuts or you will see something you have never seen before. You may learn something new about our universe and possibly yourself. Many of our previous visitors and members have pursued Astronomy as a vocation. This could be a starting point... It's out there! (And It's just down the road!..) The Observatory houses one of the largest computer controlled amateur operated telescopes of it's type in the world! This massive mount holds a 31 inch diameter, fused quarts mirror, finished to an incredible 1/12 wavelength! The dome is huge. The telescope is huge! You've got to see it to believe it! Click here to see its history and pictures! Perhaps you would like a TOUR? The Richland Astronomical Society operates the facility and holds it's monthly club meetings prior to the public opening. Come join us and find out why we are Astro-Nuts. Listen to us discuss the possibility of life on Mars, the latest info on Black Holes, new comets (July 1, 2000 we were able to observe the new comet Lenier!), space flight and NASA. (and yes, NASA has been here. Find out why!) Bring your telescope! If you don't know how to use it one of our staff will show you. If it doesn't work we may even be able to fix it! Bring your camera! Take a picture through the big telescope! You can brag that you used the largest telephoto lens in the area! How to get there..The Warren Rupp Observatory is situated in the
beautiful rolling hills of north central Ohio just southeast of Mansfield. The observatory
is located on the grounds of Hidden Hollow Camp about 6.5 miles east of the intersection
of SR-13 and interstate 71 on Opossum Run Road. Close, but not too close to Snow Trails
Ski Area. Yes, that's "Opossum" like the fury nocturnal animal that resembles
some of our membership. Or is it the other way around..? Anyway, about 6 miles down
Opossum Run Road you will come to a "Z" curve (be careful not to go straight!).
After you pass completely through the turns you will come across the entrance to Hidden
Hollow Camp on your left. Enter Hidden Hollow Camp and go up the hill until you see the
observatory on the right. For you folks that are more or less local, you can get on
Opossum Run Road off of S.R.95 and it's about 3 miles up the road. Science is for everyone..
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