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Observatory project is in the stars

Bear Branch to house astronomical facility

By Bob Allen

A shared fascination with the night sky and all the celestial mysteries it holds is what brings together members of the 24-year-old Westminster Astronomical Society.

That's also what inspired the 90-member star-gazing club to raise more than $77,000 in grants and donations to build its own observatory, scheduled for construction this fall at Bear Branch Nature in Westminster.

The 900-square-foot observatory will have a removable roof and will provide a vibration-proof environment for the society's collection of powerful and sensitive refracting and reflecting telescopes. WAS' programs are open to the public.

The observatory project is a testament to the WAS members' dedication to the club, devotion to their celestial hobby and love of sharing the wonders of observation with others.

"A lot of the actual labor will be done by members and other volunteers and by local companies that have donated their time and services," said Bender, a Westminster resident and owner of Taney Service Center, a Taneytown auto repair shop.

Building permits for the observatory were filed with the county in April and Roelle hopes they'll be approved by the end of the summer. With permits in place, the observatory should be under roof and in operation within four months, he said.