By Ken Brafman, Image from ROWHS Collection
TITLE: MOUNTAIN SKIES ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: When Halley’s Comet made its much-anticipated return in 1986 residents and visitors alike marveled at our clear skies, and the vastly clearer view that was being experienced through telescopes, or even through binoculars. The widespread excitement of this event led to the founding of the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society (MSAS) in 1989. The Society’s mission is to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and personal experience in the sciences. The founders created an informal, entertaining curriculum that used scientific tools to promote an interest in science and an appreciation of the role it plays in everyday life. The Society’s first activities, including workshops, classes, lectures, and special events were held in local schools and auditoriums. At the same time, they began fundraising efforts to support these programs and to eventually build a permanent educational facility. A temporary facility was set up in Lake Arrowhead Village and the interest this spurred, as well as financial support it generated, led to the opening of the Astronomy Village in 1999 just west of Rim High School off Highway 18, this week’s image. Just the next year a brand new, state-of-the-art observatory was constructed on the site. The observatory housed a magnificent 16-inch Smith-Cassegrain telescope with custom optics, a GOTO system, and a “library of 20,000,000 objects.” Mounted on the telescope is another four-inch telescope equipped with a hydrogen alpha filter for solar viewing. Today MSAS is continuing their mission of making science fun. There are regular programs offered such as “The Planets of Our Solar System” and even classes on how to use your telescope. There’s a gift shop full of fun and unique items. Visiting the observatory is a rewarding experience for young and old alike. MSAS can be reached at 909-336-1699 or go to www.mountain-skies.org