Stargazing at the Observatory

An Observatory designed for school and public use opened in 2004 on the Southern Cayuga school campus. Dark skies reveal a universe seldom seen in our electrified lives. It is open occasionally when skies are clear, temperatures above freezing, and, generally, when the moon does not brighten the whole sky. To receive notices of those occasions you may join the Stargazing email list (join here). Email notices go out a day or two in advance or even on the day of the opening. 

We look at and explain star clusters, multiple star systems, remains of exploded stars (often called planetary nebula), planet-forming gas clouds, and galaxies beyond our own Milky Way. While people take their turn at the telescope eyepiece, prominent constellations and other celestial phenomena are pointed out. There is seldom a night when a satellite or meteor is not seen.

The Observatory is equipped with 14”and 8’’automated Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. With an automated telescope the operator selects a star or object on the hand control that sends the scope whirring to the correct point in the sky. Then we help the observer look for important features of the object easily overlooked by novice observers.

The observatory is available for use by professional and advanced amateur astronomers by contacting Frank Benenati at 607-279-9831 or Alan Ominsky at 315-237-8835 or aominsky@rochester.rr.com.

Photo Below: Volunteers constructing the observatory at the Southern Cayuga Central School