The mainstay for our observing is an 11 inch, Celestron, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope on an Alt-Azimuth mount with a 2000mm focal length. We have a variety of eyepieces to use as well as a solar filter to observe the solar photosphere. We typically align the C-11 using a two-star alignment process, but it it can also align itself via GPS.

For quick set-up, nothing beats a a Dobsonian. We most commonly use a 10 inch, 1200mm focal length, Newtonian telescope on a Dobsonian mount made by Orion in conjunction with the C-11 above when we have a large number of observers. It has also proved invaluable when we have observed under partly cloudy skies and so needed to be able to quickly move the telescope around to capture the objects visible at that moment. Both telescopes take 2 inch eyepieces, so we can use all of our major eyepeices with both telescopes.

Here is our new 12 inch Dobsonian telescope from Orion. With almost 50% more light gathering power than the 10 inch scope, it has been producing spectacular images. The view of the Orion Nebula in particular is breathtaking! This telescope has a focal length of 1500mm. It uses the same eyepieces as the two telescopes above.

We also have a SolarMax telescope for observing the Sun. It's H-alpha filter blocks most of the Sun's light, allowing us to view the Chromosphere. It has a 400mm focal length. We regularly use it to get spectacular views of prominences and filaments.