Patterson Observatory, Sierra Vista

About Patterson Observatory

Patterson Observatory in Sierra Vista is a facility where visitors observe the night sky through a 20-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope housed in a 16-foot dome. The telescope's sophisticated detectors can reveal objects one million times fainter than the human eye can detect. The observatory hosts free Public Viewing Nights approximately half an hour after sunset, weather permitting. These family-friendly events require advance registration, and space is limited. The facility also accommodates youth groups, schools, and community organizations by appointment. Patterson Observatory is a NASA Space Place and member of the NASA Night Sky Network and Arizona Astronomy Consortium. The University South Foundation owns and maintains the observatory, while the Huachuca Astronomy Club operates it and coordinates public programs.