Highland Road Park Observatory or Baton Rouge Observatory is an astronomicalobservatory jointly operated by Louisiana State University's astronomy department, Baton Rouge Astronomical Society, and The Recreation & Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. It is in Baton Rouge, in the U.S. state of Louisiana, in Highland Road Park.[2][3]
The observatory uses a 20-inch (51 cm) Ritchey–Chrétien telescope (f/8.1) with a hyperbolic figured 20-inch primary mirror and a 7.25-inch secondary mirror – both conical shaped, made of lightweight, low-expansion ceramic – an OGS140 equatorial fork mount, and a computer control system.[1]
The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society, also known as B.R.A.S., was founded in 1981 as a non-profit organization.[3] Volunteer members of this organization meet monthly at the Highland Road Park Observatory. The society is a member organization of the Astronomical League, members volunteer in support of operation of the Highland Road Park Observatory and conduct many outreach activities including sidewalk astronomy and dark sky advocacy.[3]