The Observatory was constructed with the mission of significantly expanding educational, research, and community programming for Southeast Kansas school districts.The observatory features a research-grade telescope capable of many functions that are currently not available at any public or private facility accessible to school districts served by Greenbush. The telescope is housed on a two-story structure enclosed by a steel dome 24 feet in diameter.
Fun Fact: The telescope was originally owned and operated by the New Mexico State University Astronomy Department as part of the Blue Mesa Observatory, located in 40 miles northwest of Las Cruces.