Warren Rupp Observatory

Warren Rupp Observatory

The Warren Rupp Observatory has one of the world’s largest amateur-operated telescopes located at 5127 Possum Run Road Bellville, OH 44813 near Mansfield, Ohio.  We are located on the grounds of Hidden Hollow Camp, so look for the Hidden Hollow Camp sign! The observatory is operated by the Richland Astronomical Society whose members dedicate themselves to public awareness of astronomy. Open to the public free year-round on the first Saturday of each month.

The Richland Astronomical Society is a nonprofit organization formed in 1960 to promote the advancement of amateur astronomy. Operating the Warren Rupp Observatory with its 36″ diameter mirror Newtonian telescope, named Big Blue, conducting an active public education program, regular monthly public nights, and comet observing programs are just some of its many activities.

If you haven’t come for a visit yet, you’ll find us a widely diverse group of individuals of all ages and personality types. The one thing we all share in common is our love of astronomy. Here you will find folks of all genders and ages – from all professions and walks of life. We try our best to be a family and to treat our guests like family, too.

Our membership is as diverse as our hobby. We have teachers, doctors, computer nerds, law enforcement, salespersons, chemists, publishers, computer programmers, building contractors, appliance repairmen, electricians, photographers, factory workers, professional authors, nurses, and just about any profession and non-profession, you can think of.