Moosehead Lake Sky Watch
@ Far Reach Observatories
Far Reach Observatory is a fascinating place to appreciate the exciting dark skies and the breathtaking Milky Way that stretch above Moosehead Lake.
Located conveniently near the AMC International Dark Sky Park, running from Monson to Canada, the observatory is open by invitation and is FREE of charge for our public SkyWatch nights, engaging educational programs, and advanced observer research and astrophotography sessions.
The two-story observatory and its five-meter dome house an educational poster gallery on the first level, featuring a 70-inch video display that shows, in real-time, what the telescope on the upper level is observing.
An octagonal stairway leads to the observing level, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art robotic 610mm f/6.5 corrected Dall-Kirkham PlaneWave reflecting telescope.
An array of visual observing, CMOS and CCD imaging cameras, photometric filters, and spectroscopy equipment can be added to the telescope. This setup allows for a range of astronomy activities, from casual stargazing to astrophotography to school or enthusiast science projects.
During our public star-watches, we are excited to offer a variety of additional telescopes that are available for enthusiasts to use in the field surrounding the observatory for an immersive visual observing experience. This includes a 130mm Takahashi refractor, a 350mm CDK reflector, and a fast, 25” Obsession Dobsonian reflector perfect for visual exploration.
During our daytime programs, visitors can observe the details of the Sun’s surface through a Lundt Solar Telescope where they watch sunspots slowly traverse the solar disk with the aid of a Heliostat which reveals the dynamic nature of our closest star.
Additionally, attendees can listen to the intriguing radio noise generated by solar storms through a dual dipole radio telescope, complete with a projected spectrogram for a richer experience.
Our special programs periodically feature professional astronomers and knowledgeable graduate students who describe the latest discoveries and answer questions.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the educational exhibits and under-the-stars talks before ascending to the observing deck, where the telescope provide stunning views of celestial objects from star clusters to nebula to galaxies and more.
The observatory's location, combined with its advanced equipment and educational resources, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the night sky amid the tranquil surroundings of a quiet forest and the calls of loons on the lake.
The combination of cutting-edge technology and the natural beauty of Moosehead Lake ensures a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit, whether you're there for a casual evening under the stars or a more in-depth astronomical adventure.