Goldendale, Washington
Located at:
1602 Observatory Drive
Goldendale WA 98620
Voice: 509-773-3141
Fax: 509-773-6929
The Goldendale Observatory State Park offers spectacular views of the countryside from atop the observatory hill in the daytime, and magnificent views of the universe at night. The observatory features a 20-foot-diameter dome and more than a dozen telescopes, including one of the largest public use telescopes in the nation. The observatory provides fascinating views of the world of stars and nebulae for serious astronomers as well as people with purely recreational interests.
The Goldendale Observatory has been a major center for viewing astronomical events. It was the designated official headquarters of the National Astronomical League for the Total Eclipse of Feb. 26, 1979. The interpretive center offers afternoon and evening programs about telescopes and star-gazing.
And while its instruments are suited to scientific research, that isnt the mission of this observatory operated by the Washington State Parks Department. Its there for the general public, with tours and evening presentations. Local officials have taken special measures to ensure the observatorys viewshed, enacting ordinances to control nighttime lighting in nearby Goldendale. The observatory is visible from the distance as a metallic knob atop a volcanic cone just north of town.
The observatory is the result of the efforts of four amature astronomers, M.W. "Mack" McConnell, John Marshall, Don Conner and Omar "Van" VanderVelden. These men were members of an amateur astronomy club at Clark College in Vancouver. They began working together on a very ambitious project, the building of a 12-inch telescope the college's astronomy department. The project eventually evolved into a 24.5 inch telescope. These men offered to donate the telescope to the City of Goldendale on the condition that a building be provided to house it. The observatory was dedicated on October 13, 1973. The Washington State Parks department purchased the financially strapped observatory in 1980.
Directions:
From north on Hwy. 97:
Approaching the town of Goldendale, watch for sign reading "Goldendale Observatory, Next Right." Take this exit into Goldendale (Hwy.142/ Broadway). Drive one mile to four-way stop (Columbus), turn right, and drive north 0.7 mile to fork in the road. Take the right fork, stay on paved road, and continue 0.7 mile up hill to observatory parking lot.
Park Hours: Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center offers tours and sky-gazing opportunities afternoons and evenings year-round.
Summer: Wednesday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight.
Winter: Oct. 1 through March 31; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday by appointment.
Friends of the Goldendale Observatory
To view the Goldendale Observatory's website, click here.
To view Washington State Parks information about the Observatory, click here.
View the SlowLane.com's pictures of the nearby Space Mural.
Astronomy Links
Will there be good weather for viewing? Check out the following websites:
| Clear Sky Clocks - Oregon Clear Sky Clocks - Washington |
| NASA Space Calendar Interesting stuff for the star gazer. |
| NOAA Weather forecast National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration |
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SpaceWeather.com |
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