DASEF’S Mountjoy Observatory saw its first light in the summer of 2007 and contains the second largest telescope in Delaware. The Observatory is attached to the Environmental Outpost and houses a 16” Meade Telescope and 3 Orion Newtonians. With the combined power of these lenses, we’ve viewed some pretty awesome astronomical sights! The telescopes are managed and operated by our resident intermediate astronomer and will soon be capable of remote operation.

Housing the telescope is a 16’ ASH-DOME, a steel hemisphere formed by a number of interlocking segments, providing an exceptionally strong roof structure. The ASH-DOME is fabricated from the finest materials and products available in order to provide stability in withstanding severe weather conditions. The up-and-over style shutter system allows the astronomer to view any portion of the sky through a protected viewing aperture, while keeping any potential wind turbulence to a minimum during observatory operation.

The telescope is available for viewing during some community events, for certain educational programs, and our monthly Eyes On the Skies.