“The International Dark Sky Discovery Center will provide students and adults from around the Valley and the world the invaluable experience of discovering the wonders of the universe,” Galvin said. “I am happy to support such a fantastic endeavor.”
By Bob Burns | YourValley
The 20.5-foot Dark Sky Observatory Dome was lowered into place on the International Dark Sky Discovery Center Thursday morning, Feb. 6.
This was another milestone for the $28-million project being built near the center of town in Fountain Hills.
The observatory will house a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope when construction is completed. It will be the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area. The telescope will have fused silica optics designed for public viewing, research, live broadcasts and astrophotography.
The telescope installation is to include a deep space imaging camera, a lunar/planetary camera and an ADA-compliant periscope style eyepiece system.
Surrounding the observatory will be an outside viewing terrace with several telescopes available for public viewing.
