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Onan Observatory

Using the Onan Observatory

General Public

The public is invited to visit the observatory during any of our scheduled events or MAS star parties (see the 'Upcoming Events' section for the observatory events schedule).

(Most events at the observatory are 'fair- or foul-weather' events, however MAS star parties only take place if the skies are clear on the scheduled evening.  Always call 952-467-2426 the evening a star party is scheduled to determine if it has been canceled.)

Groups

Groups are encouraged to attend one of our scheduled public star-gazing nights at the observatory (see the 'Upcoming Events' section for the schedule).  If you plan to bring a group, please contact us via the email address 'OnanInfo@MnAstro.org' so we can ensure adequate staffing to meet your needs.

If the schedule of public nights does not meet your needs, you can request a private evening for your group.  You can check the availability of the observatory by following the 'Reservations' link in the left-hand margin.  While there is no guarantee we will be able to schedule and staff such events, our volunteers will make every effort to accommodate you.  Please send these requests to the same email address (OnanInfo@MnAstro.org).

MAS Members

A portion of observing time at the Onan Observatory is reserved for use by members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society.  

The observatory is always reserved for use by the members of the Society on every star party night scheduled for Baylor.  Observatory keyholders are encouraged to open the observatory on these evenings.  Members and visitors are welcome to visit the observatory if it is open during an MAS star party.

To use the observatory privately, members must either be observatory keyholders, or be the guests of a keyholder.  Non-keyholding members who wish to use the observatory should review the list of Onan keyholders (see the link in the left-hand column) and contact a keyholder directly with your request.  You can also email your request to OnanInfo@MnAstro.org.  You can check on the availability of the observatory by following the 'Reservations' link in the left-hand margin.

[Note:  Observing on the observatory grounds and use of the external electrical outlets is available to all members, at all times, per the terms of access between the MAS and Baylor Regional Park.  Please visit the Baylor site page in the 'Facilities' section of the web site for details.]

Onan Keyholders

Keyholders may reserve time at the observatory in advance by using the reservation system found in the Onan keyholders section of the site (www.mnastro.org/onankey).

Becoming an Onan Keyholder

Individuals must meet four requirements to become an Onan Keyholder:

1. Be at least eighteen years of age.

2. Be a member in good-standing of the MAS.

3. Complete a two-hour training session.

4. Provide assistance with construction, maintenance or program activities at the observatory during the calendar year.

Keyholder responsibilities:

Every keyholder must:

• Enforce observatory operating rules and guidelines when the observatory is in use and they are present
• Complete the closing checklist and observatory log each time they are in charge of any observatory-related activity (construction and maintenance work parties, MAS star parties, public events, educational events, etc.)

In addition, each keyholder is required to contribute in one or more of the following areas:

• Act as host for MAS members visiting the observatory during star parties held at Baylor
• Help with public events at the observatory either as team member or team leader
• Participate in observatory construction "work parties"
• Participate in quarterly observatory maintenance "work parties" (cleaning, adjusting equipment, taking inventory, etc.)
• Be available to non-keyholding MAS members desiring use of the observatory for special projects
• Conduct observatory-based educational events for schools, scouts and similar groups
• Recruit and train others as observatory keyholders or participants in work parties and events

Keyholder privileges:

• Personal use of the observatory when not previously scheduled for public event, MAS star party or educational event
• Annual recognition event (end of summer cook-out at Baylor)
• Annual recognition of efforts, published in Gemini