Aurora over the Badlands
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- Where is Hidden Valley Observatory (HVO) located?
Hidden Valley Observatory is located at 4715 Hidden Valley Road, Rapid City, South Dakota. A map is available here.
- How do I become a member?
Visit our Membership page, or via the menu visit BHAS->Membership/Donating. The membership page will have a ‘Become a Member’ button which will take you to PayPal; we’ll contact you shortly after PayPal sends a payment notification. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact any BHAS member and we’ll do our best to help. Welcome!
- How do I make a donation?
It’s as easy as visiting facebook.com/sdbhas or sdbhas.org/membership and clicking the Donate button. Thank you!
- Is a bathroom available?
Yes, a porta-potty is available on-site.
- Are water or soda available?
No, we do not sell beverages or food on-site.
- Are chairs available in the amphitheater?
Yes, we have limited bench-seating. However, it’s usually much more comfortable to bring a portable/camping chair.
- Can I take pictures of the Moon (Saturn, Jupiter, etc.) through one of the telescopes?
Yes. We have seen several surprisingly good images taken using a smart phone camera placed to a telescope eyepiece. However, please be considerate and do this when no one is waiting in line, or later in the evening, as it can sometimes take several shots to get a good image. Also, be sure to get approval from the scope owner beforehand, and make sure the flash is disabled.
- Is it ok to ask questions?
Absolutely. We make no guarantee we’ll be able to answer all your questions, but we’ll do our best.
- Do you take requests to look at a specific star/planet/etc.?
Yes. We’ll do our best to fulfill your request, although it may have to wait until later in the evening when lines are shorter.
- Do you take requests for a planet/nebula/cluster to be imaged with the observatory telescope/camera?
Yes. Submit your request to any of the BHAS members working in the observatory the night of your visit.
- Are there tours of the observatory during star parties?
Yes, the observatory is open during all public star parties. If you’d like a closer look at the equipment under the dome simply ask any BHAS member volunteering that evening (all members will be wearing name badges).
- Can we drop in any time?
The public is welcome at scheduled public star parties or by reserving a tour or private star party.
- Is there free internet/wifi access?
No.
- Where to park?
Parking is in the grass along the right side of the driveway as approaching the observatory. A layout of the property with the parking area noted can be found here.