The Centennial Observatory
The observatory features one of the world's largest fully wheelchair-accessible public telescopes. The main instrument is the Norman Herrett telescope, a 24" Ritchey-Chretien reflector on a computer-controlled fork mount, manufactured by DFM Engineering of Longmont, Colorado, USA. The observatory features an elevator to take visitors to its second-story location at the south end of the museum. Once there, a wheelchair elevator is available to lift visitors with limited mobility to the observing deck under a six meter (20 foot) motorized dome manufactured by Observa-Dome of Jackson, Mississippi, USA. The ARE-125, an optical "periscope" designed by DFM, allows unprecedented access to the telescope for wheelchair bound or limited mobility visitors. An Apogee Alta E47+ CCD camera is available for imaging, a generous gift of Dick and Jody Shotwell.
For More Information Contact:
The Herrett Center for Arts & Science
The College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Avenue
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Museum Front Desk: (208) 732-6655
Planetarium Ticket Sales: (208) 736-3059
Star Line Sky Info: (208) 732-MOON (732-6666)
Fax: (208) 736-4712
| Observatory Open Hours & Admission Prices |
|
| Monthly Star Parties: | |
| 2nd Saturday of the month, year round (weather permitting). Time: One hour after sunset to Midnight. Admission: FREE |
|
| Astronomy Talk Nights: | |
| Following bimonthly astronomy talk (Friday nearest the new Moon in odd months). Weather permitting. Time: Varies seasonally, two hours long. Admission: $1.50 per person (children 6 and under are free) or FREE with admission to astronomy talk or planetarium show. |
|
| Summer Solar Sessions: | |
| Wednesdays, Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting). Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Admission: FREE |
|
| Telescope Tuesdays: | |
| 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, November through February (weather permitting). Time: 1 hour after sunset to 9:00 PM. Admission: $1.50 per person (children 6 and under are free) or FREE with planetarium show admission. |
|
