Facilities

The Society has identified key elements necessary to accommodate the mission and vision we have for the use and enjoyment of the facility. To date, key elements are:

Telescope The 25” member-built features a folded light path and tracking mount which optimizes use by academic, member, and public participants.


Sky Theatre With a seating capacity of up to 90 persons the Sky Theatre provides a perfect venue for educational presentations that introduce guests to the observatory public program.

Radio Astronomy A radio array of up to 3 dishes will be able to be used for serious investigations and even graduate-level research. Students from UBCO and Okanagan College have contributed to the advancement of the radio program.

Observing Field Situated on the observatory grounds the observing field allows those who bring their own telescope to have a suitable surface and secure area to operate their telescope from.

Parking Lot A large level area has been improved for safe and easy night-time parking.

Handicap Access We have improved our site to further accommodate those with mobility issues. Close vehicular access and disability considerate washrooms were added in 2011. Also a member donated camera is available to provide real-time visual observation to mobility restricted guests.

Articulated Eyepiece: Due to a break in at the observatory the Articulated Eyepiece was stolen.

We hope in the future to be able to obtain another one to offer people with mobility challenges to see the night sky.

Yet to be developed:

Dome and Roll-off Roof Structures The dome and roll-off roof, or “roll around”, observatory buildings will shelter the telescopes and astronomers while allowing the telescopes to pan around the sky for celestial objects.

Discovery Centre (Meeting Room/Common Room) A meeting room will allow classroom lectures, instruction to groups, and house educational items for visitors. The main building will also have a small kitchen and bathroom as well as sleeping quarters for an RASC OC member caretaker, or overnight research members. 

All of the structures and assets of the Observatory will have wheelchair accessibility.

Drawings courtesy of Terry Tanner of Pacific Rim Architectural except where noted.