Crago Observatory

Crago Observatory sits atop Bowen Mountain, near North Richmond, about 75 kilometres northwest of Sydney, Australia, and is operated by the Astronomical Society of New South Wales.

About Crago Observatory

The observatory is housed under a large rotating dome on a concrete block building. It is named after Marion and Jack Crago, members of the flour-milling Crago family and active society members; Marion suggested Bowen Mountain as the site and, upon her death, left money to the society to support it.

History

Until 2020 the observatory housed a 16-inch f/7 Dobsonian telescope fitted with Argo Navis and ServoCAT digital setting circles. Storm damage combined with the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure, and the society used the break to commission a new 22-inch f/5 telescope, which was expected to bring the observatory back into service during 2022.

Telescopes & research

Alongside its main telescope, the observatory keeps a wide range of eyepieces and star charts available for visitors to use during observing sessions.

Location & getting there

Bowen Mountain is one of the more accessible dark-sky sites for Sydney residents, sitting far enough from the city, about 75 kilometres northwest, to avoid the light pollution that affects Sydney Observatory in the city itself.

Visiting Crago Observatory

Crago Observatory is run by the Astronomical Society of New South Wales; check the society's current schedule before visiting, since opening nights and the observatory's status may have changed since its planned 2022 reopening with the new telescope.

See your named star from here

With its upgraded telescope and open dark-sky setting, Crago Observatory is a great spot to bring the coordinates from your star naming certificate. Look up your star's exact designation in the star catalogue before your visit.