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About us The Rockford Amateur Astronomers were founded in 1958 with the goal to promote the fascinating hobby of astronomy. We operate the Lockwood Park Observatory located on Safford Rd. in cooperation with the Rockford Park District. This facility houses a custom designed and built 10" Astro-Physics refracting telescope, a Piorkowski 10" Coelostat solar telescope and several portable telescopes of varying designs and sizes. Our varied memberships provide support for virtually every field of interest in amateur astronomy.
Our members are also part of the Astronomical League, an umbrella group of amateur astronomers that operate throughout the United States. Our memberships range from the very young to the well seasoned astronomer and they all enjoy astronomy as active observers as well as armchair astronomers and their skills range from complete beginner to nationally recognized.
Free Public Viewing Sessions Lockwood Park Observatory is open for free public viewing sessions held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. The sessions start at 7:00 p.m., or dusk, which ever is later, Our main telescope, housed inside our 14-foot Ash dome, gives magnificent views of the moon, planets and stars. In addition, various telescopes and binoculars may be set up on the lawn by active members to provide views of a number of celestial objects. This allows for visitors to hop around and see more of our wonderful universe.
We offer programs on a variety of topics relating to astronomy and space that are held in our auditorium. All sessions are conducted by our members, free of charge, and are enjoyable for people of all ages. You are always welcome to attend any of our year-round sessions, but please dress according to the weather--observatories are unheated.
If you are interested in becoming a member of RAA please ( Click here )
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Since April 24th, 2008 Last Updated 05/12/2008
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