Warren Rupp Observatory is one of the world's largest amateur operated telescopes. Nestled in the pastoral setting of Hidden Hollow, near Mansfield, Ohio we boast of some of the darkest skies in the state. The Rupp Scope and the Richland Astronomical Society dedicate themselves to public awareness of Astronomy.
All 2010 Public Nights will be held on the first Saturday of each month, March through November and special programs and member nights are offered on alternative weekends. Be sure to check our events and calendar. If weather permits, there will be an opportunity to view through the big scope as well as a variety of personal scopes. If weather is cloudy, there will be a program and folks who will be happy to take you on a tour of our Observatory. We welcome all visitors! Not only will you have access to view through this magnificent scope, but our members also have a variety of telescopes to help assist you on your celestial journey. Please feel free to also bring your own equipment as well.
If you will be traveling in the area, you are also welcome to visit the observatory by appointment. Members of the RAS must please contact the Observatory Director via the Bulletinboard link on the left to reserve telescope time. If you are interested in visiting the Observatory for an outreach program, or having us come and visit your group or school, please contact the webmaster.
Observatory Closed For The Winter...
It's that time again... That's right. The unpredictable Ohio Winter and time to close the Observatory down to the public until the Spring. Although we continue to practice astronomy year round, the drive up the hill isn't always safe to negotiate during icy or snowy conditions, so for the safety of our guests we do not present monthly public nights during December, January and February.
We hope that you will continue to enjoy the brilliant, diamond hard stars of Winter from your location and remember to visit us again! 2009 was an awesome year and we very much look forward to seeing you again during 2010. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us for special programs, information on member meetings and observing times, or just with any questions you might have. We here to serve!
From Starfleet Command...
Captain's Log - Stardate: January 10, 2010: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers!
WOW! What an incredible year 2009 was! This year the Observatory has seen record setting attendance and we cannot thank all of our guests enough for joining us and making everything so lively and so much fun! We hope that you'll continue to enjoy astronomy throughout the Winter months. Once again, thanks to everyone in the Club who made this year's 2009 Public Nights a wonderful success, and to all of our guests for their generosity and support. We couldn't do it without YOU!!
We've had a lot of fantastic changes recently and I'm working as quickly as I can to get our website updated. Check out the new additions to our "Member Sites" and "Member Articles pages"! There's also a lot of new and easy to use features like "Request A Program"... and just plain fun like all the new videos on "Observatory Live!" Be sure to check back for updates often. In the meantime, please make use of our Club Calendar to keep updated on events! ~Tammy
New Website Feature!
Are you ready for another great resource? Then hang on to your hats as the NASA Night Sky Network gives us an even bigger hand with public outreach!
If you're interested in having the Observatory provide you with an educational program, you can now easily request one by visiting the NASA NightSky Network site and simply enter it in. But that's not all it features! You'll find maps of our location as well as upcoming Club events. Be sure to use this handy new tool by just click on "Request A Progam"!
For Auld Lang Syne...
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my love, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Forget the old... Let's blow out the new!! ;)
Our Newsletter...
If you want to keep up with all the happenings, like who has completed what observing project, is attending classes, or just has something new to say? This is your resource. If you weren't able to attend a regular club meeting and would like to know what's going on? Here's where you'll find it. Wondering if we've gotten any new club members? This is where we post 'em. Do you have an article, idea or astrophoto you'd like to post? Then this is the place to go!
The M111 On-Line is your #1 resource for finding out all the news that is the news. Use it!
At the Observatory...
Would you like to take a look at what's out there? On the first Saturday night of every month (March - November) Warren Rupp Observatory is open to the public. During the Winter months we still have Club meetings, observe and offer tours when weather permits. Keep us in mind, and we'll see in the Spring!
Educational Programs...
Here at Warren Rupp Observatory, we are proud to offer entertaining astronomical education as part of our normal public star parties each month. Here you will find out more about our solar system, black holes, supernovae, space missions, the Sun, the Moon, comets, meteors, the distant galaxies and much, much more. We vary our presentation each time so that everyone has a chance to learn something new and all programs are suitable for children and adults alike.
Do you have a group or organization that you feel would benefit from a special program? Please feel free to contact us to make special arrangements. We enjoy traveling to schools and libraries - just as much as we enjoy having your group come here as well! All it takes is just a little prior arrangement.
As always, there is never a charge for any program we do. All of our members, educators and presenters are strictly volunteer and we do what we do because we love to do it. Of course, we always welcome donations. Old telescopes that need a loving home are re-furbished and put into the hands of our guests. Astronomy books, space related toys and educational videos are among the many things we need... And share! We're here for you year round!
Join Us For A Great Time!
Are you interested in visiting? Good! Please come and visit us in the Spring. You'll have a great time!
Warren Rupp Observatory 5127 O'Possum Run Road Mansfield, Ohio www.wro.org
Public Nights Open At Sunset
Current Moon Phase
What does the Moon look like tonight? Here you go...
To help you plan your observing session, or to just get an idea of what to expect as far as the sky goes, here's a device that only takes a little bit of practice to learn how to read. The Clear Sky Clock goes by colors to show you what kind of conditions to expect. To learn more, just click!
The WRO/RAS was designed and donated by Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2010; Original Content - Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2010; All rights reserved. Site content is maintained by Tammy Plotner. All rights reserved.
Warren Rupp Observatory is one of the world's largest amateur operated telescopes. Nestled in the pastoral setting of Hidden Hollow, near Mansfield, Ohio we boast of some of the darkest skies in the state. The Rupp Scope and the Richland Astronomical Society dedicate themselves to public awareness of Astronomy. 
It's that time again... That's right. The unpredictable Ohio Winter and time to close the Observatory down to the public until the Spring. Although we continue to practice astronomy year round, the drive up the hill isn't always safe to negotiate during icy or snowy conditions, so for the safety of our guests we do not present monthly public nights during December, January and February.
Captain's Log - Stardate: January 10, 2010: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! 
If you want to keep up with all the happenings, like who has completed what observing project, is attending classes, or just has something new to say? This is your resource. If you weren't able to attend a regular club meeting and would like to know what's going on? Here's where you'll find it. Wondering if we've gotten any new club members? This is where we post 'em. Do you have an article, idea or astrophoto you'd like to post? Then this is the place to go! 
Would you like to take a look at what's out there? On the first Saturday night of every month (March - November) Warren Rupp Observatory is open to the public. During the Winter months we still have Club meetings, observe and offer tours when weather permits. Keep us in mind, and we'll see in the Spring! 
Here at Warren Rupp Observatory, we are proud to offer entertaining astronomical education as part of our normal public star parties each month. Here you will find out more about our solar system, black holes, supernovae, space missions, the Sun, the Moon, comets, meteors, the distant galaxies and much, much more. We vary our presentation each time so that everyone has a chance to learn something new and all programs are suitable for children and adults alike. 
