Lookout Mountain Observatory Association
|
Lookout Mountain (often referred to as Mt. Lookout), at 8,468' elevation, towers 600' above the small town of Del Norte, Co. In 1886 it was home to an observatory housing a 9.5-inch Brashear refractor, one of the finest telescopes in the entire country,.
The Lookout Mountain Observatory Association began efforts in the early 1990s to locate the original telescope and rebuild the large observatory that was located there from 1886 until 1901. The Association is also committed to providing educational resources for the Valley. It owns and operates the Leo Fontenot Memorial Observatory on the prominent hilltop behind the Rio Grande County Court House. This facility was built for educational purposes and use by active amateur astronomers. It serves as home for the stargazing parties and other events of the Association. 
The Leo Fontenot Memorial Observatory with Lookout Mountain in the background.
|
Featured photo:
Left: M16 (Eagle Nebula), Right: NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula)
credit: Albert Marquez (Vaonis Vespera II)
credit: Albert Marquez (Vaonis Vespera II)
