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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.