Blue Canyon observatory

Blue Canyon observatory, also known as Bright Star Observatory, sits at roughly 5,300 feet in the Tahoe National Forest near Blue Canyon, California, not far from Interstate 80.

About Blue Canyon observatory

Blue Canyon observatory is run by the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society (SVAS), a club founded in 1945. Originally established in the early 1990s as Night Watch Observatory, the site has become a regular gathering point for SVAS members' observing and astrophotography sessions.

History

The observatory began life as Night Watch Observatory in the early 1990s before developing into the site now used by SVAS members, high in the Tahoe National Forest.

Telescopes & research

Equipment on site includes a 16-inch Meade telescope and a 200mm refractor, used by SVAS members for visual observing, astrophotography, and public star parties.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at around 5,300 feet elevation in the Tahoe National Forest in Placer County, California, near Interstate 80, high enough, and far enough from city lights, to make it a favoured dark-sky spot for the club.

Visiting Blue Canyon observatory

SVAS hosts regular star parties and observing events at the site. Check the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society's website for the current schedule before heading up.

See your named star from here

With a 16-inch telescope and dark mountain skies, Blue Canyon observatory is well equipped to find a star at any set of coordinates. Name a star with Star Register, then bring its coordinates along to an SVAS star party, or check the catalogue first.