Viewing the Moon with the Ragland Observatory Telescope

Observatory: The Richmond Astronomcal Society (RAS) owns an observatory (the Ragland Observatory) with a seven inch refractor telescope for the use of qualified members. Any regular RAS member may become an observatory staff member by taking a short course of instruction in proper use of the equipment, and by paying a small additional fee.

Loaner Telescopes:

There are two telescopes that are currently on loan to members. Donated telescopes are loaned to members as they become available. Let me know and I’ll put you on the waiting list.  Call or email me and I’ll arrange for demonstration, delivery, and a little paperwork.

The society also owns a huge 13.1″ f/4.5 dobsonian scope that is available for members use at the Brady Saunders scout camp, a dark sky site in Goochland county. Contact Tim Streagle, at 804-467-1897, for arrangements.

Good seeing!       John Barnett, RAS Observatory Director
(jmbart2@verizon.net)

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History of the Ragland Observatory

The Observatoy's Sun Dial

The RAS was founded in 1949 primarily by the efforts of Wilbur Stone, the first president. He encouraged members to use his private observatory, “Hanes Avenue Staion”, in the early years.  Records show that  by 1955 RAS members were discussing and debating: if, when and how would an RAS owned observatory come into being. In 1957, under the leadership of RAS president Beaufort (“Blu”) Ragland, all members were asked to donate $300 each for the land acquisition, incorporation of the society,building construction and the costs of machining and fabricating the new 7” f/15 refractor, mount, and drive. $300 was a lot back in the ’50′s. Some members gave money, some gave their skills and labor, some gave both, and some left the society.

Members donated possessions, time and money for some 5 or 6 years before the first light in January, 1963. In particular: Wilbur Stone donated his 3.5” f/15 refractor – still used as a guide scope; Blu Ragland donated the land

A 1975 Image of the Ragland Observatory Telescope

that now belongs to the RAS as long as it uses the land for astronomical purposes; Rev. James Vaughan donated the 7” lens; Henry Stockmar was the observatory architect, Tom Ogburn was project manager and civil engineer, John Roberts electrical engineer, Harvey Walls master machinist, Blu Ragland mechanical engineer, and about 12 others who excavated the site by hand and poured concrete for several years.  The facility was built by RAS amateur astronomers, including the telescope (except for the lens,  made by the firm of Mogey of New Jersey, circa 1930′s), the mount, gearing, rings, the pier, landscaping,and the entire building.

Indeed, some of them left their intitials atop the cylindrical concrete retaining wall that supports the wood platform about the pier – Tom Ogburn, Henry Stockmar, Wilbur Stone, Frank Clark, John Fields, and Joseph Higdon. Also they inscribed this: “ We do good work ”. The date inscribed then was Aug 2, 1962.

“Blu” Ragland died in August, 1961. Since he was the prime mover of the RAS Observatory, but never saw its completion, it was named the “Ragland Observatory”.

The observatory saw a measure of fame during the 70′s when observers there supplied almost half the central meridian transit timings of Jovian storms and spotted the start of  a global dust storm on Mars. Recently observations of solar activity have been regularly submitted to solar astronomers. The long, unobstructed focal ratio of the telescope, with new H-alpha filters, has enabled it to be very useful in solar work.

John Barnett at the Controls

The huge increase in light pollution brought about by commercial and residential expansion in the area since the 60′s greatly limits its uses for dark sky applications such as galaxies or comets. The bright planets and binary stars, and the lunar and solar applications are not affected.

The facility lends itself best for for small group activities (about 5 to 25 visitors), such as scout troops, sunday school classes, school groups. Unlike the typical scope set up at a parking lot, this has- well, class. It actually looks like a telescope!

DIRECTIONS:

From Henrico West End, go south on Parham rd, cross river on Willy bridge, rt onto Hugenot rd., then left onto Buford rd. Turn rt onto Rockaway rd and travel across the railroad,the creek (where Rockaway becomes Old Bon Air Rd.), and just past Mt Nebo church. Don’t go as far as the stoplight at Robious rd. You should be at the rear/side entrance of a shopping center ( Robious Hall, I think its called). turn left to drive behind the stores until you come to a fire hydrant and a steel gate on the left. The observatory is up　 the gated driveway.

From Chesterfield, go Rt.60 (Midlothian Tpke) and turn north at the stoplight onto Robious Rd. This turn is toward a mobile home park entrance and a small shopping center. Enter the shopping mall, maneuver behind it to the service area. The observatory is located up a gated driveway near the fire hydrant behind the mall.

For those with GPS:

Latitude = 37deg 30′ 31″

Longitude= 77deg 34′ 45″