University Lowbrow Astronomers

Open Houses at Peach Mountain Observatory

Peach Mountain Open Houses: Guidelines for Lowbrows and Guests

The University Lowbrow Astronomers invite all Lowbrow members and guests from the general public to scheduled Open Houses, where you can view the stars, planets, and other celestial wonders through the club's 24" and club members' telescopes. All Lowbrows and guests by their attendance imply their consent to abide by the following Guidelines. Any Lowbrow or guest who violates any guideline will be asked to leave. Take a look at our flyer.

General prohibitions:

Light Etiquette:

Telescope Etiquette:

LOWBROW MEMBERS!!! Lowbrow members are required to exemplify these Guidelines!

What is it?

Peach Mountain is a facility owned by the University of Michigan and is located within Stinchfield Woods (a wood lot owned by the University about four miles from Dexter). There is a radio telescope and other equipment on Peach Mountain operated by various departments in the University. There is also a 24 inch optical telescope operated by an amateur astronomy club known as the “University Lowbrow Astronomers.”

The public has the opportunity to look through the 24 inch telescope and other telescopes [As of March 19, 2011, the 24 inch McMath telescope is operational].

Members of the club often bring their own telescopes and visitors are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and setup before its dark. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars.

When is it open?

Open houses begin at sunset. If conditions are unusually cold or if it is cloudy, the open house may be canceled. If in doubt, call (734) 975-3248 after 4 PM the day of the event to determine the status. Closing time is season dependent: 11:00 PM in winter, later for the rest of the year.

Peach Mountain often gets quite cold, dress warmly. In warm weather mosquitoes can be a problem, so do not forget insect repellent.

(Go here for a calendar of open houses and other astronomy events.)

How do I get there?

Peach Mountain is located on North Territorial Road about four miles north of Dexter.

To get to the observatory, travel 1.1 miles west along North Territorial Road from the Dexter-Pinckney Road intersection. You will see a small maize and blue sign that marks the gate.

We request that you turn cellular telephones and similar equipment off at this point (they interfere with ongoing research work). IN ALL CASES DRIVE SLOWLY. THAT MEANS: WALKING SPEED OR 5 M.P.H. Travel along the dirt road up the hill. If arriving after dark, turn your headlights off BEFORE you come over the crest of the hill.

If you brought a telescope or other equipment: STOP at the crest of the hill and find someone to walk you onto the field. BEFORE DRIVING ANY FURTHER allow a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. If you have lights that come on with the engine (particularly headlights) that cannot be turned off, park on the grass shoulder. We will help you with your equipment if necessary. Exceptions are made for larger instruments, but in all cases stop and get some help.

Otherwise turn left and park along the road.

Observing takes place in two areas: one in the field near the radio telescope, and one at the 24 inch McMath telescope. To get to the McMath telescope, walk west from the small parking lot keeping the fence to the left and turn left again keeping the fence to the left. Follow the path for about 700 feet until you see the pale blue building. Inside is the 24 inch telescope. Club members and visitors may set up their telescopes in the field next to the 24 inch telescope.

Map of Ann Arbor area
Click here for a larger version of the area map.

Map of Peach Mountain
Click here for a larger version of the detail map.

Links

Copyright Info

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This page revised Tuesday, April 10, 2018 7:08 PM.
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