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 2012 Public Nights will be held on the first Saturday of each month (unless otherwise noted), 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.
Public Night, June 2, 2012...
Are you looking for something fun to do with your family, or perhaps a special "date"? Then why not join the intrepid cast and crew of Warren Rupp Observatory on Saturday, June 2!
This month we'll be having a very special presentation titled "Our Magnetic Sun". With the weather warming up and our nearest star shining, it's time to break out some sunblock and learn more about our solar companion! NASA NightSky Network member, Dan Wade, will be our presenter for this fun and educational program.
When and where? We'll be having our normal monthly club meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. and the solar presentation will follow in our Educational Building at approximately 8:00 p.m. With the Venus transit occuring within 3 days of this presentation, now is a very good time to learn!
Also be sure to stop and listen to our NASA NightSky Network coordinator, Mike Romine, as he tells you about the Venus transit, how to safely observe and get your chance to win one of twenty five pairs of special "solar glasses" that can help you observe this historic event safely!
Be there... ;)
From Starfleet Command...
Captain's Log - Stardate: April 13, 2012: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! Wow, where was winter?! I know, I know, stormy weather isn't over yet and April and May can be super unpredictable, but so far so good. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Check out the new calendar, we have plenty of outreach events coming up, and our public nights are well underway!
New for this year will also be "Astronomy for New Members". This is planned to be a monthly program (the 3rd Saturday of each month) to introduce our new and prospective members to the wonders of the night sky as experienced through amateur astronomy. Thanks to Bryan for getting this new program going!
Hope to see everyone on the hill soon! ~Cap'n Mark
Hidden Hollow 2012 - August 17-19, 2012...
Oh, yeah... It's that time again! Hidden Hollow 2012 will be back again this year - in August! That's right. No freezing your asteroid off and hopefully some clear Summer skies! Most of the webpages are complete (like our guest speakers) and some are currently under construction, so watch for changes as the weeks go by. You're really going to enjoy this year's line up of all new activities and a very impressive and interesting line-up of guest speakers! (No worries. Your favorites will still be here. ;) Make your plans to join us!
June 5, 2012 - The Venus Transit!
Are you curious about the Venus Transit? Just what is it and what will happen? Then here's a video for you...
Thanks to the good folks at NASA for sharing! Be sure to join us at the observatory on Tuesday, June 5 at approximately 5:00 p.m. for solar viewing as we prepare for the event. Unfortunately, if it is cloudy or raining, we won't be able to "see" through the weather, so be sure to check on-line for a multitude of websites which will host live-streaming. Here's hoping for clear skies!!
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 - with the exception of severe weather. During the Winter months we still have Club meetings, observe and offer tours when weather permits.
Would you like to donate to help restore the Observatory and the "Big Blue" telescope? We appreciate your help!
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 2008-2015; Original Content - Tammy Plotner - Copyright 2008-2015; 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. 
Are you looking for something fun to do with your family, or perhaps a special "date"? Then why not join the intrepid cast and crew of Warren Rupp Observatory on Saturday, June 2!
Captain's Log - Stardate: April 13, 2012: Greetings, fellow StarGeezers! Wow, where was winter?! I know, I know, stormy weather isn't over yet and April and May can be super unpredictable, but so far so good. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Check out the new calendar, we have plenty of outreach events coming up, and our public nights are well underway!
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 - with the exception of severe weather. During the Winter months we still have Club meetings, observe and offer tours when weather permits.
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. 
