Griffin Hunter Observatory

Griffin Hunter Observatory is part of the MAC-Hunter Astronomical Observing Site in South Carolina, United States, a cluster of amateur observatory buildings founded by local astronomers.

About Griffin Hunter Observatory

The observatory was founded by Hap Griffin of Sumter, SC, and Gene Hunter of Bethune, SC, whose surnames give the site its name. It forms part of a wider complex of five observatory buildings at the MAC-Hunter site, each designed to house two astronomers and their equipment.

History

The first Griffin Hunter building was completed in October 2000. Demand for space grew enough that a second building, Griffin-Hunter II, was added in 2006.

Telescopes & research

The observatory is equipped with a 10-inch LX-50 and a 10-inch LX-200 telescope, giving its astronomers a solid setup for deep-sky observation and imaging.

Location & getting there

Griffin Hunter Observatory sits in South Carolina, in the North America region, as part of the wider MAC-Hunter observing complex. Use the map on this page for exact coordinates and directions.

Visiting Griffin Hunter Observatory

As a member-built amateur facility, access is generally arranged through the MAC-Hunter astronomy community rather than drop-in tourism. Check ahead before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

With twin 10-inch telescopes on site, Griffin Hunter Observatory has the reach to find a specific point in the night sky, such as the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Name a star, or browse the star catalogue to see what's already been named.