Sierra Remote observatory

Alder Springs Observatory is located as part of Sierra Remote Observatories (SRO), positioned at nearly 5,000 feet on Bald Mountain in the Sierra Nevada of central California, United States. The facility represents one of the world's largest remote observatory installations, with over 146 operational telescopes available for client research and imaging.

About Alder Springs Observatory

Sierra Remote Observatories has been operational since 2007, providing remote telescope access to professional astronomers, institutions, and dedicated amateurs worldwide. The facility is operated with on-site technicians present 365 days per year, ensuring equipment maintenance and technical support for all users.

Location & Getting There

Located at 42120 Bald Mountain Road in Auberry, California, the observatory sits within Sierra National Forest at high elevation. This location was specifically chosen for its exceptional seeing conditions, excellent atmospheric transparency, and accessibility despite its remote mountain position. With approximately 290 clear nights per year and dark skies measuring over 21.78 magnitudes per square arcsecond, the site offers some of California's finest observing conditions.

Visiting Alder Springs Observatory

Sierra Remote Observatories operates as a professional remote-access facility rather than a public walk-in observatory. However, qualified astronomers, researchers, and institutions can arrange telescope access for imaging, data acquisition, and observation programmes. The facility offers client telescopes that can be operated remotely via fibre optic internet connection (1 Gbps download and upload speeds) from anywhere in the world.

See Your Named Star From Here

Imagine your named star being observed through one of the sophisticated telescopes at this world-class facility. Explore our star catalogue, name your star through our packages, and let your named star shine in California's exceptional Sierra Nevada skies.