Observatories
The Decker-Grebner-Van Zandt Observatory
The Decker-Grebner-Van Zandt Observatory, otherwise known as "Jubilee" observatory, was built on the grounds of Jubilee State Park in an effort to escape the Peoria city lights. Over the years however, the city has been growing ever closer, and obscuring the night sky with light pollution.
The observatory has two domes that house a 24-inch Newtonian Reflector and a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain.
The site was established in 1974, when PAS member Dr. Philip Holwick offered to donate his 12-inch Cave reflecting telescope to the Society on the condition that a suitable "dark-site" could be found for it. PAS members located an abandoned farmyard complete with several out buildings and a large concrete feedlot. The land was owned by the Forest Park Foundation, and use was granted for the PAS to develop an observatory. Mr William Rutherford of Forest Park Foundation not only granted the use of the land but also authorized funds to help the PAS develop the site.
Observatories
The Peoria Astronomical Society maintains two observatories.
Northmoor Observatory is open to the public every cloudless Saturday night from the beginning of May through the end of October. You will find volunteers on hand to aid you in your discovery of the cosmos, from sunset until midnight. Private groups can also be scheduled any other time. Contact the Northmoor Observatory chairman for more information. Northmoor observatory has a brand new dome! Click here to read all about it!
Jubliee Observatory can be scheduled by any group almost any time. Please contact the Jubilee Observatory Chairman for more information.
We also have a variety of "loaner" telescopes available for members to use.