Stargazer Observatory

Welcome to Stargazer Observatory, Front Range Community College's astronomy facility.  
This sheet answers some of the more commonly answered questions about the observatory.

How do I get to the Observatory from campus?
You probably already know this one, however: Go East on Harmony.  Turn South (right) on Ziegler 
(near Celestica and HP).  Turn East (left) on Rock Creek (in front of the new high school).  
Turn South (right) on Cinquefoil ­ Observatory is two blocks south at Cinquefoil & Galileo.   
Lady Moon Rd., further east on Harmony than Ziegler, can also be used.   

Why do I have to come out here for class?
There is literally no room on campus for these classes.  Without utilizing the classroom at the Observatory, 
one half of the astronomy classes we currently offer would have to be cancelled.  If you are reading this, 
one of those cancelled classes would have been yours.   

How long should I allow to get to the Observatory from campus?
In general, it takes 10-15 minutes to get from campus to the Observatory.  However, during peak traffic t
imes on Harmony, this can stretch to 20 - 25 minutes.

Is there any public transportation/shuttles running to the Observatory?
Unfortunately, there is not.  You are welcome to form carpools with your fellow students, if you wish. 

What if I have a class right before/after my class at the observatory?
You should alert both of your instructors that there is a conflict, and see if there is a problem with leaving 
a few minutes early or arriving a few minutes late.  If there is, you should see if it is possible to transfer 
into another section of astronomy.  

Who owns the Observatory?
The Observatory is owned by the Homeowners Association of the Observatory Village neighborhood.  However, 
FRCC leases the Observatory, so while you are here, it is, for all intents and purposes, property of FRCC.  
All rules and regulations that apply to the campus also apply to the Observatory.

Can I eat/drink in the classroom?  
This is up to your instructor.  If your instructor allows it, please clean up after yourself and throw all trash away.  

What about smoking?  
Like the campus, you cannot smoke with 20 feet of the entrance to the Observatory.  If you do smoke farther away, 
please dispose of your butts properly.  The homeowners association becomes very irritated at continually cleaning cigarette 
butts, and as the Observatory is their property, they could ban smoking altogether.

Where should I park?
Please utilize the parking lot on the west side of the Observatory as much as possible.  It does not have enough room for 
everyone, so some parking on the street will be necessary.  Please do not park in front of people's homes, if at all possible.  
Parking next to the Observatory itself or the park across the street is encouraged.

How can I contact the Observatory?  
People are only present either when classes or labs are being held.  The Observatory has a phone (970-377-0052).  
There is also an email address:  stargazer.observatory@gmail.com