Grand Mesa Observatory

Rolloff Roof Research and Educational Facility

Grand Mesa Observatory has taken a major step in providing research-grade equipment to the schools, universities, and organizations across the country. With a 16” Ritchey–Chrétien telescope on a Software Bisque Paramount ME2 mount, a 12.5” Planewave telescope on a Planewave L-350 mount, along with upcoming 11” and 12” telescopes, we are set up to collect data on a wide array of science targets.

We currently partner with Colorado Mesa University, CUNY La Guardia, Western Colorado University, Ft. Lewis College, and SUNY Oneonta through a NASA funded collaboration led by Colorado Mesa University.

United States Air force Falcon Telescope Network

The first of many partnerships we formed was a joint venture with Colorado Mesa University and the United States Air Force Academy. This partnership led to the addition of an Astrohaven dome, L-500 Planewave mount, and 20” Officina Stellare Ritchey–Chrétien telescope. This project is managed by the Air Force Academy staff, and is one of 12 identical telescopes in the Falcon Telescope Network located across the world. Dr. Catherine Whiting from Colorado Mesa University and her students use and maintain the telescope and its systems and equipment for astronomy research. She also employs engineering student interns at Grand Mesa Observatory to work on mechanical and electrical engineering projects.

School Programming and special events

We host stargazing events and guided tours primarily through our direct connections to Colorado Mesa University. Students taking astronomy courses participate in field trips to our facility. If any school groups have interest in stargazing and/or tours of our facility please CONTACT US.