Jarnac Observatory

Jarnac Observatory sits near Vail, Arizona, where veteran comet hunters David and Wendee Levy have used it to track down asteroids and at least one comet that now carries the observatory's name.

About Jarnac Observatory

Jarnac Observatory is a private facility near Vail, Arizona, run by astronomers David and Wendee Levy. David Levy is among the most prolific comet discoverers in history, with 23 comets found or co-discovered over his career, several of them from this site.

History

Between 2004 and 2010, observers working at Jarnac Observatory discovered 170 asteroids. The site's name is also attached to periodic comet P/2010 E2 (Jarnac), discovered from the observatory in 2010.

Telescopes & research

Jarnac Observatory is used primarily for comet and asteroid survey work, the specialty that made David Levy's name in astronomy. Its discovery record of 170 asteroids in six years reflects a sustained, dedicated search programme rather than occasional stargazing.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located near Vail, Arizona, in the North America region, an area known among amateur astronomers for its clear, dark desert skies well suited to deep-sky survey work.

Visiting Jarnac Observatory

As a private observatory, Jarnac is not generally open to drop-in visitors. Those interested in learning more about its work should look for public talks or events involving David and Wendee Levy rather than expecting on-site tours.

See your named star from here

Skilled observers like those behind Jarnac's asteroid and comet discoveries know exactly how to translate a star's coordinates into a real view through the eyepiece. Name a star of your own, or browse the catalogue of previously named stars.