Dean Memorial Observatory

Green Castle Recreation Area | Marshall County, IA

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The Dean Memorial Observatory is located in Green Castle Recreational Area. The observatory was built in conjunction with Marshall County Conservation, Marshalltown Community College, and Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa. The observatory consists of a modified silo dome that is rotated by hand. Sheltered with in the dome is a club built 16 in f/4.5 Newtonian reflecting telescope. The telescope is mounted on a equatorial fork mount which is clock driven so the scope can track objects as they move across the sky. During spring, summer, and fall months the Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa host public observing sessions at the Dean Memorial Observatory.

Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after N/A and check-out is before N/A.

Location The Dean Memorial Observatory is located on the south east corn of Green Castle Park near the buffalo enclosure.

Hours of Operation & Seasons

The observatory is open for monthly public viewings. For more informtion about these viewings contact Jim Bonser at 641-751-8744 or check out the Marshall County Conservation Newsletter or visit their websie http://amateurastronomersofcentraliowa.org.

Address

Green Castle Road
Ph: 641-752-5490

Gilman, IA, 50106

Closures

Open for monthly scheduled public viewings.

Where You'll Be

Marshall County

The Marshall County Conservation Board is located in central Iowa and home to the GrimesFarm and Conservation Center. Additionally, the Marshall County Conservation Board manages 33 individual parks, trails, natural area and historic sites encompassing over 2,800 acres across the county.