The Patterson Observatory is owned by the University South Foundation, Inc. and operated by volunteers from the Huachuca Astronomy Club. It is named for David Patterson who was a founding member of HAC and a major Foundation donor. The observatory opened in September 2004 and consists of a fork-mounted f/8.1, 20-inch Ritchey Chretien reflector under a 16-foot dome. Patterson is a NASA Space Place community partner and the focal point for astronomy outreach and education in our area. The observatory is open to the public one night each month and is the site of many community based observing events throughout the year.
The observatory and the attached classroom are available for classes and community events. It can be reserved by calling the foundation office at 520 458-8278 extension 2129 on weekdays 9-11AM. Observing events will be coordinated through the Huachuca Astronomy Club. The University South Foundation is a 501c3 charity and donations to the Foundation are deductible on the donor’s federal tax return.
