Observatory & Planetarium
Observatory
The Taylor Observatory features one of the most advanced optical systems available for research-grade astronomy. The polar-aligned Equatorial Mount Meade LX200 16” GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is built with an observatory-class 16-inch (406 mm) aperture with a 4064 mm-deep focal length; lightning-fast resolving power of 0.285 arc-seconds; and an onboard GPS system linked to an AutoStar II library of more than 145,000 celestial objects.
The observatory's centerpiece sits under the gold standard for precision-engineered steel astronomical domes, a 3.2-meter-diameter rotating hemisphere with a 1.2-meter-wide adjustable shutter from Ash Manufacturing.
As well as the powerful Meade LX200 under the dome, Taylor Observatory's inventory of telescopes for night sky and solar observing includes a Celestron NexStar 8iSE 8” GOTO Schmidt-Cassegrain Coronado PST Solar Telescope; two 6” Dobsonian reflectors (Orion SkyQuest XT6); and two 3” equatorial Refractors (Orion 90mm AstroView).
Located together at the foot of Mt. Konocti in one of the darkest night-sky regions of California, the Taylor Observatory and Norton Planetarium are a powerful pair of windows on our universe.
Planetarium
The Norton Planetarium at Taylor Observatory provides a uniquely intimate view of the universe, with the same cutting-edge 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 the state-of-the-art Epsilon Digitarium Star Projector System. This specialized, high-resolution digital planetarium system features a full, 180-degree immersive sky powered by Nightshade NG software. Star fields, celestial objects like planets and distant galaxies, and the constellations, come to life in vivid, eye-popping projections, while high-resolution animations and macro cinematography take you deep into the recesses of inner space.
Cutting-edge audio technology at the Norton includes eight ProBalance speakers to form an immersive audio experience to match the visuals: the vacuum of space is transformed into a symphony of celestial color for traditional planetarium shows and Laserium-inspired experiences alike.
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.