Northmoor Observatory

The telescope was one of two built in 1913 for the Illinois Watch Company of Springfield, Illinois.  The 9-inch flint-forward lens was ground by Petitdidier, the same optician who ground lenses for Dr. A.A. Michelson's famous experiment to determine the speed of light. The telescope body was manufactured by Gaertner Scientific of Chicago,

Northmoor Observatory Renovation

A photo collage of the installation of new dome completed March 2009.

Thanks to the amazing efforts of PAS members and community volunteers, the Northmoor Observatory has a new dome.  Our gratitude goes out to Rich and Margo Tennis for their fund raising efforts in making the dome a reality.  A special thanks to Terry Beachler and Ash Dome personnel for all thier help in getting the dome installed.

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.