Optec Observatory

Optec Observatory is a small, purpose-built facility in Lowell, Michigan, run not for public stargazing but to test the electro-optical instruments made by its parent company.

About Optec Observatory

The observatory is operated by Optec, Inc., a design and manufacturing firm specialising in electro-optical products for astronomy, atmospheric science, and microscopy. Its primary instrument is a Meade 10-inch LX-200 telescope mounted on a special heavy-duty wedge, set on a pyramid-shaped concrete pier built with 45 bags of concrete.

Telescopes & research

The observatory is used almost exclusively for equipment testing and electronic observations tied to Optec's instrument development work; manual use of the telescope is limited to collimation and finder adjustment. Optec, Inc. has a long history in astronomical instrumentation research and development.

Location & getting there

The site is located in Lowell, Michigan, in the United States.

Visiting Optec Observatory

As a private testing facility rather than a public viewing site, Optec Observatory is not generally set up for visitor tours. If you're interested in the company's work, check Optec, Inc.'s official website before reaching out.

See your named star from here

Precision instrument testing is exactly what makes it possible to point a telescope at exact coordinates in the sky, including those of a named star. Name a star with Star Register or browse the star catalogue to find its position.