Ojai observatory

The Thacher Observatory sits on the campus of The Thacher School in Ventura County near Ojai, California, where a low-elevation, dark-sky site has supported astronomy research since the late 1950s.

About Ojai Observatory

Built in 1965, the observatory carries forward a legacy of astronomy research at The Thacher School dating back to the late 1950s and the school's involvement in the Summer Science Program founded in 1959.

History

In 2016 the facility was renovated and converted into a fully automated, research-grade observatory, updating its original 1965 structure for modern remote and robotic observing.

Telescopes & research

The observatory specialises in accurate photometry across the visible spectrum, from 470 nanometres to 1 micron. Its research focus includes exoplanets, low-mass stars, and the formation of planets and stars.

Location & getting there

The site is bordered by the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County near Ojai, California, a low-elevation location valued for its dark to very dark night skies.

Visiting Ojai Observatory

As a school research facility, public access is likely limited to organised events; check the Thacher Observatory website for current information before visiting.

See your named star from here

An observatory built for precise photometry is well equipped to locate a single point of light by its coordinates, just what's needed to find a star named through Star Register. Name a star or browse the catalogue of named stars.