Badlands Observatory begins receiving guests

Milky Way over the Observing Deck at Badlands Observatory. Photo by Darrell Carder, Leapdillo Photography.

Star Trails imaged from the Observing Deck at Badlands Observatory. Photo by Darrell Carder, Leapdillo Photography.

Over the years since Badlands Observatory was established in the year 2000, a lot of research was conducted in addition to private projects and public outreach activities. For the most part, however, operations were low-key, so much so that the Observatory bore a sign on the front that read “top secret research facility”. Although the sign was meant as a tongue-in-cheek statement, it was surprising that with all the media coverage, few in the area had actually stepped inside the repurposed Quinn Community Hospital.

After making significant facility upgrades, Ron and Teresa began quietly receiving guests in the summer of 2021. Most of those who came were tourists to the area who sought out opportunities to enjoy the dark skies of South Dakota and take in a little stargazing.

One of our earliest public visits occurred on June 12, 2021 when Darrell and Mary Carder arrived from Dripping Springs, Texas. Darrell is a photographer, creating art under the name Leapdillo Photography. While the rest of the family participated in the night sky tour, Darrell captured this stunning view of the Milky Way as it arched over the Observing Deck at Badlands Observatory along with a long exposure star trail.

Well done Darrell and thank you to you and your family for visiting Badlands Observatory!