Grassland Mountain Observatory
– a private observatory, located in Madison County, NC, that is owned and operated by the Astronomy Club of Asheville
The views from Grassland Mountain Observatory are quite panoramic, with the mountains of Tennessee to the north, the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell to the east, Mt. Pisgah and Cold Mountain to the south, and the Great Smoky Mountains to the west. (Drone image, looking SW, by Bill Downey)
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Observatory Elevation: 4,130 feet
Latitude: 35 deg., 45.26 minutes North
Longitude: 82 deg., 48.24 minutes West
Equipment: The primary instrument is a Meade LX200R 16-inch f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, utilizing a computer-controlled Paramount ME mount on a permanent pier. Riding “piggyback” on the primary telescope is a
Stellarvue SVX152T (6-inch) f/8 Premier APO Triplet Refractor.
Facility: (constructed in 2009) The observing space measures approx. 20′ x 16′, with a motorized, roll-off-roof and an attached warm room. Restrooms are available at this site.
Location: 2892 Grassland Parkway, Marshall, NC 28753
Don’t use Google Maps for directions; you will most certainly get lost!
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Earth’s shadow and the Belt of Venus over the Black Mountains, looking east from Grassland Mountain Observatory shortly after sunset on Feb. 14, 2020 (Image credit: club member, Debbie Wertheim)
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Current Weather Conditions at Grassland Mountain Observatory
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