Martz Observatory, now known as the Martz-Kohl Observatory, is a public, not-for-profit organization devoted to the

amateur astronomer Amateur astronomy is a hobby where participants enjoy observing or imaging celestial objects in the sky using the unaided eye, binoculars, or telescopes. Even though scientific research may not be their primary goal, some amateur astronomers m ...

. The emphasis of the association is

observational astronomy Observational astronomy is a division of astronomy that is concerned with recording data about the observable universe, in contrast with theoretical astronomy, which is mainly concerned with calculating the measurable implications of physical m ...

, well-rooted in

public education State schools (in England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand) or public schools (Scottish English and North American English) are generally primary or secondary schools that educate all students without charge. They are funded in whole or in pa ...

and enjoyment of the starry skies. It was founded by, and eventually named after,

Marshal Martz Marshal is a term used in several official titles in various branches of society. As marshals became trusted members of the courts of Medieval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for elevated ...

, an amateur astronomer from

Jamestown, NY Jamestown is a city in southern Chautauqua County, in the U.S. state of New York. The population was 28,712 at the 2020 census. Situated between Lake Erie to the north and the Allegheny National Forest to the south, Jamestown is the largest pop ...

who built the first large telescope (a 30-inch

reflector Reflector may refer to: Science * Reflector, a device that causes reflection (for example, a mirror or a retroreflector) * Reflector (photography), used to control lighting contrast * Reflecting telescope * Reflector (antenna), the part of an ant ...

) ever used at the

observatory An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial, marine, or celestial events. Astronomy, climatology/meteorology, geophysical, oceanography and volcanology are examples of disciplines for which observatories have been constructed. His ...

. The Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc. was formed to carry out the following mission: “To inform, educate, and inspire the general public and support teaching in the sciences of astronomy and physics through accessible, engaging, and entertaining programs.” The observatory is located just outside Frewsburg, NY (Chautauqua County) on six acres of rural property, and hosts weekly public observing nights. The main telescope, a 24-inch

Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain reflector A reflecting telescope (also called a reflector) is a telescope that uses a single or a combination of curved mirrors that reflect light and form an image. The reflecting telescope was invented in the 17th century by Isaac Newton as an alter ...

, can be controlled manually, or positioned from a nearby "control room" electronically. Several smaller telescopes, which members are free to use at their convenience, are located on the grounds. The Martz Observatory serves as a public education site, as well as a satellite teaching facility for local institutions, particularly Jamestown Community College in nearby Jamestown, NY.

References

External links

* http://www.martzobservatory.org
Martz Observatory Clear Sky Chart
Forecasts of observing conditions. {{Portal bar, New York (state), Astronomy, Stars, Spaceflight, Outer space, Solar System, Education, Science Public observatories Astronomical observatories in New York (state)

See also

References

External links