South Mountain
South Mountain HQ
South Mountain in Allentown, PA is the HQ of LVAAS. South Mountain features the Grady Planetarium, Robson Library, Optics Shop, and 3 permanent observatories, as well as the Red Shift gift shop where you can purchase drinks and snacks during events as well as merch.
Grady Planetarium
The Grady Planetarium is equipped with a Spitz A3P projector and a 21-foot dome that lowers to simulate a natural horizon. The planetarium seats 40 and shows run during public star parties. The prior planetarium projector was hand-built by a member and is currently on display in the planetarium.
Knecht Observatory
The Knecht Observatory is attached to the main building while still being accessed from outside. it has a a fully electric dome for easy observation.
Warden Observatory
The Warden Observatory is one of two roll-off style observatories that give plenty of space to observe the night sky. It also has an accurate sundial mounted on the south wall.
Brooks Observatory
The Brooks Observatory features a fully electric dome for easy observation and holds the most powerful scope at South Mountain. This observatory was refurbished in 1998 replacing the 12.5'' Cassegrain with a more modern scope.
6'' Refractor
The 6'', F15 refractor with a 2280mm focal length is optimal for planetary and lunar observing. It rides on a motorized equatorial mount to track the night sky. This scope is equipped with a Hydrogen-alpha telescope and white light filter for solar observation.
12.5'' Reflector
The 12.5'' diameter and 1905mm focal length at F6 make this reflector a great telescope for amateur astronomers. This scope is mounted on a motorized equatorial mount to track the sky. One unique feature is the entire tube rotates in the mount for easier access to the eyepiece.
14'' Meade LX200 SCT
The Meade 14'' Schmidt-Cassegrain is a deep sky observation scope with a 3556mm focal length at F10. This scope features full Go-To control to find any object in the night sky and track it. This is the most powerful scope at South Mountain.