Astronomy:

Visiting Smaller Observatories

VBO, Benson, Arizona:

(Updated 21 Nov 2004)

Atop a small hill east of Tucson, sits an ideal astronomer's retreat: the Skywatcher's Inn and its Vega-Bray Observatory (image: left). I've been a guest four times from 2001-2004, and you will not find a more enjoyable astronomy vacation. The climate is warm and dry, the skies almost always clear, and the Native American culture, desert wildlife, and impressive geology make wonderful day trips. Each evening, you have a choice of viewing packages, and even the services of an experienced sky guide, as you use the treasure trove of at least 15 viewing instruments, ranging from a 3 inch (80 mm) refractor, the 12 inch (300 mm) computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain in the south dome, to the incredible Max Bray-designed 20 inch (500 mm) Maksutov-Cassegrain in the main dome! (images: right - front door; below left & center - south dome and patio; below right and center - solar system patio model, and view from patio).

The Inn is a luxurious small hotel, with unique themed rooms, including Egyptian, Garden, and Celestial suites (image: left). Note the domed ceiling in the Celestial Suite, which comes with a planetarium projector, so you may fall asleep dreaming of the same stars you just spent all night observing. (dome visible in topmost far right image). The formal dining and living rooms are beautifully decorated, and ideal for socializing (image: right). The Inn also includes a combination lab & science playroom, which is full of astronomical, geological, and paleological (dinosaur stuff) toys, experiments, and learning tools (image: far right). The Vega family has remodeled and updated many of the faciltiies, and the place looks smashing!

That's me with the "Max's Big Mak" (image: left). Note the yellow finderscope is an 8 inch reflector; as big as many an amateur astronomer's main scope! The main observing room (image: right), with it motorized roll-off roof, is a true telescope cornucopia. You can see two 12 inch Meade LX-200 computerized Schmidt-Cassegrains, a 6 inch refractor, and three different sized Dobsonian reflectors: 6, 10 and 12 inches, respectively. Besides all the fine instruments, there are charts, tools, databases, and toys all over the room. You cannot imagine how much fun it is to get a group of all ages and experience levels, observing, chatting, and digging-on the universe in this room. Please, don't miss a chance to visit if you can.

If you are a bit more advanced amateur astronomer, and want to observe on your own, you can rent scope time. I spent two of my visits in the Vega-Bray Observatory's South Dome, housing a 12 inch (300 mm) Meade LX-200 computer-controlled Schmitt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT). With this size scope, highly-accurate pointing capability, and gorgeous, dark, magnitude 5 skies, I was able to catch all the faint galaxies I just can't catch from home.

The Skywatcher's Inn is a place like no other. If you need an astronomy getaway, mini-holiday, or an entire vacation with the Universe, in a quiet and lovely setting - here's the place!