Thanks to a very generous patron of the observatory, we  have replaced our venerable 20 year old 12” Meade LX 200 telescope with a brand new 16” Ritchey–Chrétien (RC) telescope!  A very good description of the telescope and all of its incredible optical features can be seen at the manufactures website: https://www.astronomytechnologies.com/16-f8-truss-tube-ritchey-chrtien-optical-tube_p20116.aspx .  The new telescope goes exquisitely with our new Software Bisque Paramount ME II Mount.  We collimated and installed the new telescope and its working perfectly.  In addition to being a superb visual instrument, it excels at being an astrophotography instrument for both DSLR and CCD cameras. We can’t wait to get some clear weather and put it through its paces.  EVAS members are encouraged to bring their DSLR cameras and set up a viewing date to use the new telescope.

16″ RC Telescope on ME II Mount

16″ RC Telescope on ME II Mount