THE PAST - The 18 inch Blue Dobsonian GOTO telescope saw first light at the time of the passing of Halley's Comet around 1985. The Adler Observatory building was built later, and began operating on the weekend of July 4, 2001. It was moved to Ortega Oaks RV Park four years ago from its remote site. Rich, Penny, Ole, and many other persons helped with the construction of the original building and laying down paving blocks.
THE PRESENT- .The relocated telescope, along with both 13 and 8 inch telescopes, are now more accessible to the general public. So far the observatory has been visited by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Packs, Campfire Girls, Indian Guides from Riverside, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties, Royal Rangers, Trailmates and Trailguides, the Delancy Street Foundation, Astronomy Students from local colleges, and many other church and group camping visitors. Last year a sky show was presented for Operation Purple, a youth camp for the teenage children of Purple Heart Veterans of the Iraq war.
THE FUTURE - Hopefully, each season, more and more Scouting Groups and Sky Watchers will visit the observatory. We hope to see your there as well !!!
Clear Skys to you,
Ken Adler, JD, BSL
Director
Certified BSA Astronomy Merit Badge Counselor
