Lone Star Observatory is a privately held observatory located under dark skies 120 miles north of the DFW metroplex.
It was designed, built and is operated and maintained by 12 amateur astronomers from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Fully operational since March 1990, the members have over $250,000 invested in facilities and equipment.
LSO's 24-inch Classic Cassegrain fully computerized telescope is so advanced for an amateur facility that it has been the subject of a feature article in the Smithsonian Institution's Air & Space magazine.
LSO is for the private use of its members and does not hold public viewings.
To generate funds LSO does host private parties (maximum of 5 people) for an evening of viewing and education with an experience amateur astronomer in exchange for an honorarium of $500.
The scope is housed in a 20-foot diameter dome designed and constructed by the members. The floor of the observatory is elevated approximately 3 feet off the ground to eliminate ground effects.
Adjacent to the observatory is a 24 foot by 24 foot clubhouse, which features a lounge area, full kitchen, bunkroom, and full service bath. It has central air for heating and cooling with a special crossover thermostat that automatically switches between heat and cool as required.
To contact LSO email: info@lonestarobservatory.org
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