Organ Mesa observatory

Organ Mesa Observatory lies near Las Cruces, New Mexico, in a stretch of desert sky with a long connection to American planetary astronomy.

About Organ Mesa Observatory

Organ Mesa Observatory is an astronomical observatory associated with the Las Cruces, New Mexico area. Detailed information about its current instruments and operator is limited, though the surrounding Organ Mountains region has a documented history of astronomical work: an image orthicon system with a 0.3-metre (12-inch) optical diameter previously operated at the nearby Organ Pass Station before being moved to Corralitos in 1966. The wider area is also home to the Tortugas Mountain Observatory, founded in 1963 by Clyde Tombaugh and operated by New Mexico State University, and the now-closed Blue Mesa Observatory, founded by Tombaugh in 1967.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in the Organ Mountains area east of Las Cruces, New Mexico, a region known for clear, dark desert skies favourable to astronomy.

Visiting Organ Mesa Observatory

We don't have confirmed public visiting hours for this specific site. Check current local astronomy club listings or New Mexico State University resources before planning a trip.

See your named star from here

This is a part of New Mexico with a real astronomical legacy, from Clyde Tombaugh's nearby observatories to today's dark desert skies. Name a star with Star Register or browse the star catalogue to find its coordinates for your own stargazing trip.