In 2004, we purchased our “retirement land” in Oracle, Arizona.  In 2009, we completed construction of our new home in Oracle and set up a permanent observatory.  Since I now have a permanent observatory, it seemed like an excellent time to give the observatory an official name instead of calling it “Oracle Observatory”, as it has been since 2005, when I would set up a tent and a telescope for a night or two about once a month.

So why “Cassiopeia Observatory”?  Most astronomers have learned to identify the constellation Cassiopeia by the “W” shape formed by its brightest stars.  Well, in actuality, some times of the year it looks like a “W” and other times a “M”.  Hum.  W.  M.  Or rather, M W...  Hey, that stands for “Mike Weasner”!  At least, that is how I’ve seen it since I was a teenage amateur astronomer in my Southern Indiana hometown.  Hence, the observatory name is very appropriate.

Use the menu at the top of the page to view different sections of this web site.  Observing reports are on the “Reports” page.  The “Photos” section has selected terrestrial and astronomical photography.  “Equipment” shows some of my telescopes and other equipment.  Click “Links” to see my other web sites and some other important web sites.  “Data” displays current observing conditions, weather forecasts, and some astronomical data.

All text and photography on this Site are Copyright © 2009-10 by Michael L. Weasner.  All Rights Reserved.  Terms and Conditions of Use.  Cassiopeia constellation image created with Voyager 4 from Carina Software.