A refurbished .65m Ritchey-Chretien telescope with a state of the art control room and instrumentation is scheduled to be in operation at Rainwater by the spring of 2007.  The instrument will have a sophisticated CCD camera, self guiding SBIG spectrograph, video capability with both color and B&W MallinCam cameras, and visual port for eyepiece observing.

 

To utilize this facility like this will require long term support.  Having an instrument like this at Rainwater is an opportunity like the "pearl of great price".  Many people have indicated ways of helping out by donations, contacts with foundations or business.  If you would be willing to help in any way, please contact us at  662-547-6377.  We need to maintain and operate the facility for the future.  We have a tax deductible fund set up, the Rainwater Observatory Fund, that will acknowledge any gifts.  We have raised $100,000 over the last several years to construct a home for the telescope.  Every little bit helps.

 

The Sangre Astronomical Research Telescope will be part of the Los Cumbres Global Telescope Network.  It will allow research by astronomers, students, and amateurs as well as let the public learn about and see that "the heavens declare the glory of God".  We would welcome the opportunity to do a program for your community club or any group about the work that is going on here.  Let us hear from you.