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Big Blue
Our 36-inch Newtonian reflecting telescope and the centerpiece of public astronomy at the Warren Rupp Observatory.
Primary mirror
Reflecting telescope
Observatory completed
Operated for visitors
A Window Into the Universe
At the heart of the Warren Rupp Observatory stands a telescope
that generations of visitors have come to know simply as
Big Blue.
With a primary mirror measuring 36 inches across, Big Blue
gathers thousands of times more light than the unaided human
eye. Under the dark skies of Hidden Hollow, it reveals lunar
craters, planets, star clusters, glowing nebulae and galaxies
located far beyond our Milky Way.
Big Blue is more than an impressive astronomical instrument.
It is a living part of the history of the Richland Astronomical
Society and a gateway through which countless visitors have
experienced the universe for themselves.
The Story of Big Blue
Big Blue’s story spans decades of craftsmanship, volunteer
effort, community support and astronomical discovery.
The Mirror Blank
General Electric donated a large mirror blank to the
Lake Erie Astronomical Project. The glass had reportedly
been intended for use at the McMath Solar Observatory
on Kitt Peak in Arizona.
First Light
After approximately 2,000 hours of grinding, polishing
and optical work, the original 31-inch Newtonian
telescope achieved first light.
A New Opportunity
The telescope was offered to the Richland Astronomical
Society under the condition that a permanent building
be constructed to house and operate it.
Warren Rupp Observatory
The Warren Rupp Observatory was completed at Hidden
Hollow near Bellville, Ohio. Big Blue was installed
beneath the observatory dome and became the centerpiece
of the facility.
A Major Restoration
An accident severely damaged the historic 31-inch
primary mirror. Members and supporters of the Richland
Astronomical Society worked to restore the telescope
using the present 36-inch mirror.
Continuing the Mission
Big Blue continues to introduce visitors, students and
amateur astronomers to the wonders of the night sky
during public programs and special events.
Building the Warren Rupp Observatory
Bringing Big Blue to Richland County required years of
planning, fundraising and volunteer effort. Warren Rupp
played a major role in financing the project, and the
completed observatory was named in recognition of his
support.
Hidden Hollow provided the society with a location away
from the brightest city lights. Once Big Blue was installed
beneath its dome, the telescope quickly became the defining
feature of the observatory.
Since then, society members have maintained and operated
the instrument for public observing nights, educational
programs, group visits and the annual Hidden Hollow Star
Party.
From 31 Inches to 36 Inches
The loss of the original mirror became the beginning of a new
chapter in Big Blue’s history.
Original primary mirror
Present primary mirror
For more than two decades, Big Blue operated with its original
31-inch primary mirror. In 2011, the telescope suffered a major
accident when its secondary mirror assembly fell and struck
the primary mirror.
Rather than allow the accident to end Big Blue’s story, the
Richland Astronomical Society restored the telescope with a
new 36-inch primary mirror. The restoration preserved the
telescope’s historic structure while increasing its
light-gathering ability.
How Big Blue Works
Big Blue is a Newtonian reflector, a telescope design that
gathers and focuses light using mirrors.
-
Light enters the telescope
Light from the Moon, a planet, a star cluster or a
distant galaxy travels down the optical tube. -
The primary mirror gathers it
The curved 36-inch primary mirror collects the incoming
light and reflects it toward the top of the telescope. -
The secondary mirror redirects it
A smaller angled mirror sends the focused light toward
an eyepiece mounted near the upper end of the telescope. -
The observer sees the image
Visitors look through the eyepiece and see the light
gathered directly by Big Blue.
What Can You See?
Every observing night is different. What can be viewed depends
on the season, weather, atmospheric conditions and which
objects are above the horizon.
The Moon
Explore craters, mountain ranges, valleys and dramatic
shadows along the boundary between lunar daylight and
darkness.
The Planets
Depending on the season, visitors may see Saturn’s
rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, Mars or the
phases of Venus.
Nebulae and Clusters
Big Blue can reveal stellar nurseries, planetary
nebulae and dense clusters containing thousands of
stars.
Distant Galaxies
Under favorable conditions, visitors can observe
galaxies whose light has traveled millions of years
before reaching Big Blue.
By the Numbers
Diameter of the primary mirror
Year the observatory was completed
Years of astronomy at Hidden Hollow
A Telescope for Everyone
Many large telescopes are located at research facilities
where the public cannot look through them. Big Blue is
unusual because it remains an instrument visitors can
experience personally.
During public observing programs, guests can climb to the
observing platform, approach the eyepiece and see the light
collected by the telescope with their own eyes.
For many visitors, this is their first close view of
Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, a distant galaxy or the
complex surface of the Moon.
Help Keep Big Blue Looking Up
A telescope of this size requires continual care. Its optical,
mechanical, electrical and structural systems must be
inspected and maintained so that Big Blue remains safe and
available for future generations.
- Mirror maintenance
- Optical alignment
- Dome upkeep
- Mechanical repairs
- Safety equipment
- Public education
Experience Big Blue
Join us for a public observing night and discover what Big Blue
can reveal beneath the dark skies of Hidden Hollow.
