Rio Rancho Observatory and Planetarium
25” Obsession Dobsonian
The goal of this project is to build an 18’ x 36’ facility designed by Durango Skies Observatory Solutions. This space will be subdivided into two 18’x18’ sections. One space will be an observatory with a roll-off roof that will house the Newtonian, Cassegrain and Dobsonian telescopes. The other space will be a multipurpose area to be used as a control room for the telescopes, a classroom for workshops, to list a few. There are also plans to build an outdoor “open-air” planetarium that will be used for “sky tonight” programs, workshops and an amphitheater for guest speakers.
The 3 telescopes, valued at $55K, represent the largest portion of the overall cost of this project. They have already been secured by the RRAS. The next phase of the construction is the observatory complex at a projected cost of $32K. The “open-air” planetarium is the next most costly portion coming in at a projected cost of $50K. Fencing and electrical are projected to be $13K. The total cost of the project is projected to be around $150K. The amount still needed to be raised is $100K
The RRAS has secured a grant from the Rio Rancho Community Foundation to purchase components to be used in current educational programming that will be moved to the observatory when it is constructed.
The City of Rio Rancho Parks Department has dedicated the land at the Rainbow Pool Park Complex and the telescopes are here . What comes next is finding funding.
For ways you could provide help for this project or for more information please contact Melanie Templet, President at 505-220-5355/ nmstarchild@gmail.com or one of the board members by clicking on the Officers tab at upper left.
16" Cassegrain
12.5" Newtonian
The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society has had the good fortune to acquire three “research-grade” telescopes: 12.5” Newtonian 16” Cassegrain 25” Obsession Dobsonian
A permanent facility is needed to house these instruments and provide a location for educational programming for the community. An “open-air” planetarium is also planned for the complex.
The City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with us by securing land at the Rainbow Pool Park complex for the project. Work has begun with the local public schools, SIPI, UNM, CNM, private and home schools to develop educational programming for the general public.
The Newtonian and Cassegrain telescopes were donated by the family of the late Walter Hiltbrunner, a longtime Rio Rancho resident. The Obsession Dobsonian was a gift from John Sefick, a transplant to New Mexico from Chicago who was instrumental in the build-in of the observatories at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Rio Rancho High School.
Your donations to this project will be greatly appreciated, and you can donate via our Paypal account by clicking one of the donation options below.
