Since March 2005, virtually all images on this site were taken from the BlackBird Observatory, below. It houses a 20" Ritchey-Chretien Telescope manufactured by RC Optical Systems that rides on a Paramount ME mount. The telescope and associated equipment to support it's remote use is owned by the Internet Telescope Partnership, of which I am a full Partner. Here is an inside view.
The observatory is situated at 7300 ft. (2225 meters) elevation under spectacularly clear and dark skies in the south central Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, near Mayhill. The combination of sophisticated electronics, dark skies, high elevation, and outstanding optics enables complete remote control of the telescope and camera for acquisition of fine high quality images over the Internet using a common browser.
Each month, approximately 25 hours are set aside for others who wish to rent the telescope and pursue their own private projects. If you are interested, please email me for more information and to pre-schedule time.
The Blackbird Observatory is operated and maintained by Ron Wodaski, founder of the New Astronomy Press.
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