Member Dick Locke captured the Milky Way over the observing field. Darkness is protected by each member using the observatory: each member attends a training session to learn how to preserve dark adaptation and in addition agrees to abide by a set of rules designed to minimize light.
In this aerial view, you can see how our dark site earned its nickname "Padhenge ". The observing field offers 38 concrete pads arranged in a circular pattern to best make use of the horizon. Electricity for powering telescope tracking devices is available within 50 feet of each pad. Wireless internet is also available, courtesy of Stratos Global Communications, Broadband Division and members Don Selle and Brett Maiwald.
Three telescopes permanently mounted inside the Observatory building are available to members upon completion of a training session. Leftmost is the 12.5" f/5 built in the late '70s. It was originally designed to be "transportable" and then later modified to be permanently mounted in the observatory. It is a "low profile" scope in that the "vertically challenged" need only a step stool to get to the eyepiece when the scope is at the zenith. This is used for visual as well as photography. The white telescope to the far right is a 12.5 f/7 that was originally owned by NASA and used during the Apollo program to help locate a lunar landing site. In between the other two is the Celestron-14 that is used extensively for photography and CCD'ing. The telescope has been fitted with computer-controlled drive motors for tracking and "go to" capabilities. For more details about this telescope, look for a link at the top of this page.
Several star parties are held at the site each year, and members of area clubs are invited to attend.
The Observatory Building, with a sliding roof, is home to three telescopes. The 16 x 33 main room is cinder block construction with a thick steel roof weighing an estimated 3 tons. A "chart room", with its desk, sofa and reference charts keeps it s roof on for use on those cold nights. 
Celestron 14" Telescope with the roof of the observatory open. The south wall folds down as well, to gain full access to the southern horizon. A few members have viewed one star of the Southern Cross from this site. 
The bunkhouse is an air conditioned and heated building that sleeps four. A permanent restroom building with hot water and showers is a short walk away. Space for tent camping and RV hookups are popular as well.