Grant Awarded to Hopatcong Observatory

Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club awarded grant by Asterion Foundation 

Support from the Asterion Foundation will fund a permanent telescope pier and computerized mount, expanding community access to the night sky 

Hopatcong, NJ: The stars will be within easier reach in Hopatcong and the surrounding areas. The Asterion Foundation has awarded a grant to the Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club, which shall be used to construct a telescope pier and to purchase a new telescope mount for the Hopatcong Observatory. 

The grant will fund the entire scope of the project, underscoring the Asterion Foundation’s commitment to making astronomy accessible to communities across the United States. The Hopatcong Observatory welcomes hundreds of curious minds each year, including students, scouts, and the general public.

The current equipment within the observatory consists of a manually-operated telescope on an antiquated clock drive mount. 

The new, computerized telescope mount will have the ability to track objects automatically, keeping them in view for large groups of people. In addition, the telescope will be able to locate astronomical objects at the push of a button. The telescope mount will remain permanently polar aligned, reducing setup time and maximizing observing opportunities at outreach events. 

The new pier and telescope mount are expected to be unveiled later this year, unlocking the farthest corners of the cosmos for many years to come. 

The Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in the local community. The club is based out of the Hopatcong Observatory, an Eagle Scout Project. The club hosts public stargazing events, members' meetings, and educational outreach to foster a deeper understanding of the night sky. To learn more, or to become a member, visit www.hopatcongobservatory.org.