Observatory & Planetarium
Observatory
The Taylor Observatory features a Celestron 14" f/2.2 Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) telescope mounted beneath a 10 foot diameter dome from Ash Manufacturing.
In addition, Taylor Observatory's inventory of telescopes for night sky and solar observing includes an 18" Teeter Dobsonian telescope.
Located at the foot of Mt. Konocti under the dark skies of Lake County, the Taylor Observatory and Norton Planetarium are a powerful pair of windows to the universe.
Planetarium
The Norton Planetarium at Taylor Observatory provides a uniquely intimate view of the universe, with the same technology found at larger facilities around the world.
The 6.2 meter (20 ft.) domed planetarium holds 32 astronomy enthusiasts for trips around the universe using an Epsilon Digitarium Star Projector System. This specialized, high-resolution digital planetarium system features a full 360-degree immersive sky powered by Nightshade NG software. Star fields, planets, distant galaxies, and the constellations come to life in vivid, eye-popping projections, while high-resolution animations take you on a journey through space and time.
The Norton Planetarium also features a Bose surround sound theatre system for an immersive audio experience to match the visuals.
Find out about all the upcoming events at Taylor Observatory and Norton Planetarium.
Learn more about the history of the Taylor Observatory and the amateur astronomer who imagined a view to the stars for students and the public in one of California's darkest-sky regions.
John Burgess/The Press Democrat
Top: Taylor Observatory Resident Astronomer Angelo Parisi under the dome at the Taylor Observatory.
Below: Students take in a view of Mars and the Milky Way at the Norton Planetarium.