Gunnison Valley Observatory Showcases Southwest Colorado’s Prime Stargazing

May to September events showcase largest public telescope in  Colorado

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (May 11, 2010) - The largest public telescope in Colorado found a worthy new home in the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located in Gunnison, Colo.  The observatory, open since June 2008, was the dream of two men and the result of many local citizens, businesses and entities contributing time, expertise and money. 

Utilizing the main telescope and a variety of smaller support telescopes, the all-volunteer operated Gunnison Valley Observatory has been expanding its programming each season, which runs from May through September.

2010 Schedule

May 14, 21                    Public Viewing Nights

June 11, 18                    Public Viewing Nights

July 2, 3, 9, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31        Summer Mini Lecture Series

August 6, 13, 14            Summer Mini Lecture Series

August 27                     Public Viewing Night 

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24          Public Viewing Nights

On Public Viewing Nights, the 30-inch reflector telescope and an outside scope will be used to observe the night sky.  A minimum donation of $3 per adult is requested. The Summer Mini Lecture Series includes a 10-minute lecture presentation rotated through the evening along with viewing using the large telescope and two outside scopes.  A minimum donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child over the age of 7 is requested. Monthly members-only viewing, educational and social events also are planned throughout the summer and fall.

Gates to the observatory open at 8 p.m. except on Aug. 27 - Sept. 24, when the gates open at 7:30 p.m.

Location & Features

The observatory is located off Gold Basin Road at the base of "W" Mountain, just southwest of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50, and features a distinctive dome to house the telescope atop an 800-square-foot building that includes a classroom and star wall. 

Located at an elevation of 7,703 feet and with air and light pollution almost nonexistent in what are known as "stable" skies, Gunnison has near-perfect stargazing conditions. 

The original telescope was purchased from Black Forest Observatory, built and operated by Paul Van Slyke in Colorado Springs from 1986 - 2001.  Van Slyke built the impressive custom telescope so that he could observe Halley's Comet.  After discovering that thousands of other space enthusiasts also wanted to see the comet, he began offering public viewing sessions that earned the telescope a reputation for being an excellent instrument. 

The telescope incorporates a 30-inch f/9 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain optical system (30" f/3 elliptical primary with 11.75" 3x spherical secondary multiplier) created by Intermountain Optics in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Intermountain Optics manufactures optics for the aerospace industry. 

Van Slyke found it was difficult to operate both his growing machining business and the observatory, so he sold the observatory's contents to the observatory in Gunnison.  The telescope was sent to Texas, where it was re-manufactured for mounting in its new home. 

Observatory Background

The observatory is the result of an ambitious dream of local businessmen Tom Willis and Tod Vandewalker and is a joint effort of Gunnison County, City of Gunnison, Western State College, School District RE1J, National Park Service, Gunnison Valley Astronomical Society, Gunnison Valley Economic Development Corporation and many local businesses and citizens.  The Gunnison Valley Observatory was incorporated as a nonprofit organization with a governing board of local astronomers and interested citizens. 

For more information about the Gunnison Valley Observatory, to become a GVO Member or to book private viewing events, call Mike Brooks at (970) 641-6181 or Gail Davidson at (970) 641-8140 or visit http://www.gunnisonobservatory.org/.

Other Star-Gazing Activities

Also, from June through September, there are programs and telescopic viewings held at Curecanti National Recreation Area's Elk Creek Visitors Center (www.nps.gov/cure) and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park' South Rim Amphitheater/Campground (www.nps.gov/blca).  

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages

To find out more about Gunnison County or to book other personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association's toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/.  Find the Tourism Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gcbta or follow us on www.twitter.com/gcbta.  The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is served year-round by United Airlines with flights from Denver and during the winter season by American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado

Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado.  Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.  Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities.  In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding.  Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options - from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels. 

Gunnison, county seat and a real western town, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, which offers bachelor's and master's degrees in liberal arts and sciences and pre-professional fields.  Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities. 

Recognized as the "Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado" by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" in 2008, Crested Butte is 28 miles from Gunnison and the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.  Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area's conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails. 

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country's newest national parks.  Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.  Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.

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Photo by Gunnison Country Times 

For a Word version of this press release, click on the link below.

Contact:                       Beth Buehler                                        

                                    Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association               

                                    (970) 349-1168 or bethbuehler@qwestoffice.net

                                    http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/