Thacher Observatory
Designed. Automated. Customized.
Our Team built this observatory with the mission to combine education and research while aiming to promote learning.
The Thacher Observatory, situated on campus at The Thacher School in Ventura County, California, has a rich history of astronomy research since the 1950s. The observatory was built with the mission to combine education and research while aiming to promote learning in physics and astronomy among students.
The observatory was outdated and unable to meet the requirements needed by students. Our Team was contracted to remove and disassemble the 50-year-old Ash-Dome. The dome was crated up to be reused again one day. Then Our Team installed a new 16’-6″ REB Ash-Dome that had a custom dome slit to be used with the new PlaneWave CDK700. Additionally, building improvements were made including roofing, pier modification, electrical upgrades, HVAC installation, observatory isolation and finish exterior painting, and site improvements including graveling of the exterior area surrounding the observatory. Finally, the installation of a telescope adapter plate and a PlaneWave CDK700 observatory system in partnership with Observatory Systems.
Our Team partnered with Paul Gardner with Observatory Systems, who provided the observatory photos displayed, Ash Manufacturing, PlaneWave Instruments, and to complete the much-needed improvements to the Thacher Observatory.