Goldendale Observatory State Park

Observation domes in the park

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The Goldendale Observatory State Park consists of a public observatory with a 24.5 inch Cassegrain telescope. The 2 -acre State Park is 640 meters high on a hill north of Goldendale in Klickitat County of the U.S. state of Washington.

History

The four amateur astronomers from Vancouver M. W. McConnell, O.W. VanderVeldon, John Marshall and Don Connor had in 1964 with the idea to build a large telescope itself. As in Vancouver but due to climatic conditions relatively frequently covered night sky light pollution is present and the more difficult the astronomical observations, was searched early for a more suitable location. Goldendale seemed to meet the criteria and they were able to reach an agreement on the construction and deployment of the observatory with the leaders of the city, where they themselves would contribute the telescope. The precise location was determined in 1968 and 1970, after 6 years of construction, the telescope ready. Despite pure material costs of $ 3,000 the ready- telescope was worth $ 75,000. In 1971, the Goldendale Observatory Corporation was founded, which should take care of the financing of the building. In May 1973, was the foundation stone was laid in October of that year, the inauguration was celebrated. The operation was astronomical volunteer basis in the early years and even publicly available a week from everyone. The financial situation was critical for all these years, so that in 1978 plans to close appeared. For the February 26, 1979, however, a solar eclipse was predicted, the umbra should afternoons drag over the area. For this celestial event, the observatory was the observation space with the best overall site conditions, best weather prospects and the finest amenities. These circumstances led to the National Astronomical League moved its headquarters for the observation period after Goldendale and a total of 17,000 people arrived. The NBC television groomed his cameras to the telescope for a live broadcast of the eclipse. After this event media attention was sufficiently available to provide the precarious financial situation of the world. The state of Washington took over in late 1980, the property and dedicated it to 1981 for the Goldendale Observatory State Park has to offer.

The International Dark - Sky Association has the Goldendale Observatory State Park in June 2010 awarded a silver award, while gold at Clayton Lake State Park was added and both state parks in the list of the International Dark Sky Park.

Equipment

For astronomical equipment of the observatory includes not only the permanently mounted 24.5 inch Cassegrain telescope with a rotating dome, one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes. Furthermore, a permanently mounted 8 -inch telescope from Celestron and 6 mobile smaller telescopes are available. A library and an amphitheater complete the offer. During the day, the State Park is also a good view of Mount Adams, Mount Hood and the Klickitat Valley.