• File: Astronomy magazine's new observatory

    Astronomy magazine’s new observatory at Rancho Hidalgo, New Mexico, primed for a night of observing. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch telescope at Rancho Hidalgo

    Gene Turner purchased and reassembled Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh’s personal 16-inch telescope and dedicated it September 17. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: Dave Eicher, David Levy, Kevin Keefe pose with Clyde Tombaugh's telescope

    Astronomy magazine Editor Dave Eicher, Contributing Editor David Levy, and Publisher Kevin Keefe pose with Clyde Tombaugh’s rededicated telescope September 17. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: Patsy Tombaugh poses in front Clyde's 16-inch telescope

    Now 97 years old and in spirited health, Patsy Tombaugh, Clyde’s widow, poses in front of the 16-inch telescope September 17. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: Cakes to celebrate dedication of Pluto Park

    At the ceremony, Loy Guzman prepared multiple cakes to celebrate the dedication of Pluto Park, the Tombaugh telescope, and Astronomy magazine’s observatory. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: David Levy speaks about Clyde Tombaugh

    Astronomy columnist and Tombaugh biographer David Levy gave a speech about Clyde’s life for the group assembled at the dedication. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: Astronomy magazine's observatory as viewed from the Tombaugh telescope

    Astronomy magazine’s observatory as viewed from the Tombaugh telescope September 17. Related blog: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine's new observatory Photo credit: David J. Eicher, editor
  • File: New building at Rancho Hidalgo to hold telescopes for Astronomy, Astronomical League, and Vanderbilt University

    A newly built observatory building will hold a second telescope for Astronomy magazine use (left) and an instrument for joint educational use between the Astronomical League and Vanderbilt University. Related blog: So long, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Hello, Rancho Hidalgo , by David J. Eicher, Editor...
  • File: 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope in the Astronomy Magazine Observatory

    The 14-inch SCT in Astronomy magazine’s first observatory building is now producing planetary images and serves as a platform for the piggybacked Solarscope. Related blog: So long, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Hello, Rancho Hidalgo , by David J. Eicher, Editor David J. Eicher photo
  • File: John Eicher and Gene Turner stand at Granite Gap

    John Eicher (left) and Gene Turner stand at Granite Gap, a property Turner is developing for the future. Related blog: So long, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Hello, Rancho Hidalgo , by David J. Eicher, Editor David J. Eicher photo
  • File: Gene Turner readies the 30-inch telescope

    Gene Turner and friends ready his 30-inch scope for a night of deep-sky viewing. Related blog: So long, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Hello, Rancho Hidalgo , by David J. Eicher, Editor David J. Eicher photo
  • File: Barnard's Amalthea commemoration watch

    When in 1892 Barnard discovered Amalthea, the fifth satellite of Jupiter, he received this gold watch as a commemoration of the event. Related blog: On the Road: Nashville astronomy, Day 2 , by David J. Eicher, editor David J. Eicher photo
  • File: An aerial view of Granite Gap

    by Gene Turner Granite Gap, New Mexico, as seen from the air. The newly created circuit of roads winds around land that RV and park model owners will use to join the 24/7 star party under very dark skies. The lake is visible to the left. An existing central house will serve as a community and cultural...
  • File: Park model cabins

    by Gene Turner Park model cabins, like these freshly arrived at Granite Gap, will soon house amateur astronomers eager for a dark-sky haven.
  • File: Park model cabin windows

    by Gene Turner The park models are small houses but comfortable and stylish inside.
  • File: Park model cabin interior

    by Gene Turner The interior of a freshly arrived park model cabin.
  • File: An aerial view of Rancho Hidalgo

    by Gene Turner An aerial view shows Turner’s Rancho Hidalgo development near the center, which includes the Astronomy and Celestron observatories, Clyde Tombaugh’s telescope, and the accompanying farm below it to the right.
  • File: An aerial view of Arizona Sky Village

    by Gene Turner The third in the series of Turner’s developments, Arizona Sky Village, is visible in this aerial shot a few miles away from Granite Gap, near Portal, Arizona.
  • File: Granite Gap's desert panorama

    Granite Gap’s desert floor will soon host telescope pads, observatories, RVs, and park model cabins set up for enjoying the beauty of the night sky, as well as earthbound treasures like minerals, wildlife, and horseback riding.
  • File: Changing the landscape of Granite Gap

    Heavy machinery lies scattered all about Granite Gap’s many acres. The huge job of putting in roads is finished, electricity is going in, the lake is filled, and the central community house will soon be built. Residency can then commence.
  • File: Granite Gap lake

    The man-made lake at Granite Gap is now filled and displays a bright blue-green color; crews will raise the water level even higher and then stock it with fish. A solar observatory will also be constructed on a central island behind the trees.
  • File: Rancho Hildalgo observatories

    The view of Rancho Hidalgo includes the main house (background), the Celestron Observatory (far right), Astronomy Magazine Observatory (center), and a new PlaneWave Observatory in private hands (left).
  • File: Granite Gap's rugged rocks

    The rugged rocks around Granite Gap hide archeological sites and make for great hiking trips. Gene Turner photo
  • File: Granite Gap lake

    The man-made lake at Granite Gap is now the most significant in the entire region. Gene Turner photo
  • File: Chihuahuan Desert Granite Gap

    Rugged rock vistas surround the Chihuahuan Desert at Granite Gap, New Mexico. Gene Turner photo