| Goldendale Observatory State Park is a five-acre educational facility on a 2,100-foot-high hilltop. The observatory houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes and has attracted sky-watchers since its opening in 1973. The observatory is open to anyone who wants to view the universe. 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 February 26, 1979. The interpretive center offers afternoon and evening programs about telescopes and star-gazing. It is a unique facility because it caters to the general public with programs designed to educate the novice as well as the experienced star gazer. They have a number of telescopes including a 24.5 inch that is used in the evenings for public viewing sessions. The facility has twelve portable telescopes and special camera accessories available to the public and a lecture room which contains astronomical displays. The park also has restroom facilities, a science library and a parking lot with a capacity for 30 cars. Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center offers tours and sky-gazing opportunities afternoons and evenings year-round. Summer and winter programs vary. Goldendale Observatory is the fruition of the dream of four amateur astronomers, M. W. McConnell, O. W. VanderVeldon, John Marshall and Don Connor. These four citizens of Vancouver, Washington began constructing a 24-inch, Cassegrain reflecting telescope for Vancouver's Clark college. They ultimately donated the telescope to the town of Goldendale, which constructed observatory buildings on a hilltop north of Goldendale. Funding for construction was provided by donations, a federal grant and a bank loan. The observatory was dedicated as a public education center in 1973. The Goldendale Observatory Corporation, a non-profit, volunteer organization, operated the facility through 1980. Washington State Parks acquired the observatory in 1980. Activities at the park include hands-on observing through telescopes, interpretive lectures and viewing scientific displays. There are two program schedules for summer and winter. |
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