The Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers (EMDSO), in coordination with Cedar Creek in New Haven, Missouri, have been working to reinstall the Big Blue 30 inch telescope in an accessable location to better utilize it as an education tool in teaching and sharing our love of astronomy. Cedar Creek offered a unique partnership to provide EMDSO with a secure facility to house and use the observatory, and to provide Cedar Creek with another activity and resource for their guests.
The original 30" observatory was dismantled and as much material salvaged as possible.
Big Blue at McDonalds Property
Improvements were made to the original design to provide for better security, appearance, and useability. The new site is handicap accessible, and allows handicap observing with a video eyepiece.The now completed observatory is used for outreach programs to the general public and is available to Cedar Creek as an extension to their fantastic property for their overnight guests.
Reservations for your group may be made by selecting EMDSO Reservation Request on the main website menu.
Phone to call if cancelled: six three six six six seven two three three seven
What to bring: Flashlights, bug spray, lawn chairs, jackets(when cool), insulated reusable drinking cup(water provided)
Site Rules: NO alcohol, dogs, or firearms
Directions from the East: Take Hwy 100 to New Haven, then continue on Hwy 100 2 miles west of New Haven. You should spot 3 blue tourism signs and a covered wagon. Turn right at the covered wagon onto Olive Road. Turn left (about 1/2 mile) at the 3rd covered wagon into Cedar Creek's parking lot and park at the south end. Follow the signs and walk 300 feet on the access road to the observatory.
MAP: (right click, then view image to enlarge)
MAP: (right click, then view image to enlarge)
SATELLITE: (right click, then view image to enlarge)
The following image of Big Blue Observatory was taken in August 2019:
