Ponderosa Astronomy Retreat

 

This is my personal retreat in sunny central Oregon, a place to escape from the noise, lights and stress of city life to enjoy nature and the night sky.

(Click on each image for a larger view)

 

ponderosa pine tree

The Ponderosa pine tree for which the site was named (suffering damage from an overzealous deer)

 Sunset over Cascades

Views from the deck (Click Photo for more views)
Deck and Telescope

The observing deck with 14.5 inch Newtonian Telescope, waiting for sunset. (Click Photo for more views)

Moon over Telescope

In the dark skies of Ponderosa, even a first quarter moon can be obnoxiously bright. I'm waiting for moonset. (Click Photo for more views)

 

The new road and gate, finished in late 2007.

Road and Gate View of Gate

 

There really is color in the desert.

Desert Flowers Desert Flowers

 

 

My gracious neighbors, the Strongs, are also devoted to astronomy. Here is their web page:

Juniper Sky (link)

 

ARGO (Astronomical Research Group of Oregon) is just up the road to the north:

ARGO (link)