Chiricahua Sky Village PRO Observatories

Chiricahua Sky Village (CSV) is a 92-acre community in Cochise County, Arizona, designed for amateur astronomers to observe and image the universe under dark skies. Modeled after Goldendale Sky Village in Washington, CSV provides members with access to a permanent dark sky site. Membership requires the purchase of at least two shares at $2,500 each, granting the right to use 2,500 square feet of land per share for astronomical purposes.

Personal Remote Observatory at Chiricahua Sky Village (CSV)

The Personal Remote Observatory (PRO) is a roll-off roof observatory constructed with readily available materials, capable of housing optical tube assemblies up to 40 inches in length. It is solar-powered, connected to the internet via Starlink, and designed for minimal maintenance under the harsh conditions of the Arizona desert.

CSV and the PRO form a unique partnership. CSV provides a secure location with Bortle 1 skies, long winter nights, and an average of 286 sunny days annually, creating an ideal environment for remote imaging. The PRO brings affordability and accessibility to remote observatory ownership, further enhancing CSV’s reputation and growth.

To support PRO users, CSV has introduced a special class of shares, costing $1,250 each, which provides the right to use a 500-square-foot PRO lot. The PRO itself costs $10,311, including materials, labor, and solar panels. Members with construction skills can build their own observatory to reduce costs. Unlike monthly leasing fees for telescope hosting, operating a PRO at CSV incurs minimal ongoing expenses.

CSV-PRO collaboration

PRO members gain part ownership of the land where their observatories are located, creating a vested interest in the community's success. Observatories can be shared, rented, or sold, providing flexibility and potential for financial recovery. Technical assistance is available from CSV members, and standardized equipment and software minimize maintenance costs.

The CSV-PRO collaboration reflects advancements in remote imaging, a growing trend in amateur astronomy. The setup enables observers to overcome light pollution and weather limitations, gathering data year-round.

Blaine’s PRO design features a cabinet with a remotely powered roll-off roof, housing imaging equipment such as a Takahashi FS106 refractor, ASI2400 full-frame camera, and ZWO AM5 mount. The system is powered by LiFePO4 batteries and solar panels, with internet connectivity via CSV’s WiFi mesh network. Plans are underway for local manufacturing of PRO units that would require users to provide only the imaging equipment.

NGC5139, Omega Centauri

Image credit: Peter Monson, 2024

The southern skies above Chiricahua Sky Village are home to some of the most awe-inspiring celestial objects, and one such object is Omega Centauri. As the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way, Omega Centauri is an astronomical gem visible from the southern hemisphere. Its sheer size and brightness make it visible to the naked eye, and it often captivates astronomers and astrophotographers alike.

CSV’s southern Arizona location, with its expansive and unobstructed views of the sky, makes it an ideal location for observing Omega Centauri, especially during the spring months. From CSV, members can witness the cluster as it rises above the southern horizon, despite being less than 10 degrees above the horizon during its most visible phase. This presents a unique challenge and opportunity for imaging, as the cluster is often low in the sky and subject to atmospheric distortions. However, the members of CSV are well-equipped to meet this challenge.

One such member, Peter Monson, captured a stunning image of Omega Centauri using his 100mm Takahashi refractor. His setup, which includes a sophisticated imaging system designed for capturing deep-sky objects, is a testament to the quality of equipment and skill that CSV members bring to their astronomical endeavors. The image serves as a reminder of how the clear, dark skies at CSV enable remarkable observations of even the most distant objects in the universe.

Chiricahua Sky Village Pro Observatories

Nestled in the heart of southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua Sky Village (CSV) offers an exceptional opportunity for astronomers to experience some of the best skies in North America. What sets CSV apart from other observatories is its unique combination of features that cater to the needs of both amateur and professional astronomers. With its dark sky status, panoramic 360-degree horizon-to-horizon views, and a thriving community of astronomy enthusiasts, CSV is quickly becoming a sought-after location for those serious about stargazing, imaging, and exploring the universe.

One of the standout attributes of CSV is its unparalleled 360-degree visibility. This panoramic view of the sky allows members to observe or capture images in any direction without the usual obstruction caused by surrounding structures, trees, or light pollution. Unlike many other observing sites, CSV provides complete access to the entire night sky. The image of the panoramic view above illustrates this feature, showcasing the vast, unimpeded horizon that members can enjoy when they step outside. Whether you're interested in capturing distant galaxies, tracking the movement of stars, or simply marveling at the wonders of the Milky Way, CSV provides an environment that encourages limitless exploration.

The origins of Chiricahua Sky Village: A community of astronomers

The story of Chiricahua Sky Village begins in 2018 with a group of passionate amateur astronomers from the Pacific Northwest. These individuals shared a common dream: to create a dedicated space where they could observe and image the cosmos without the constraints of light pollution and limited observing time. Their vision came to life with the establishment of Goldendale Sky Village (GSV), a 30-acre dark sky site in eastern Washington.

GSV proved to be a successful model, blending private ownership with a strong sense of community. Members were able to purchase shares in the LLC and assign lots of land for astronomy activities. The unique design of the village allowed astronomers to set up their telescopes and imaging equipment in close proximity, creating an environment akin to a permanent star party. This atmosphere fostered collaboration, learning, and socializing—essential aspects of the GSV experience.

While Goldendale Sky Village thrived in the summer months, the cloud cover in the winter months proved to be a challenge for some members. In 2021, with this in mind, the idea of a sister village was born. A group of GSV members, along with other astronomers from across the country, decided to establish Chiricahua Sky Village in southeastern Arizona. This new location would offer year-round observing opportunities, with clear skies even during the winter months.

The location of Chiricahua Sky Village

CSV is situated in southeastern Arizona, just west of the Chiricahua Mountains, in a region that is part of the Chihuahuan Desert. This area, spanning nearly 200,000 square miles, includes parts of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Due to the high altitude (approximately 4,700 feet above sea level), the climate at CSV is more temperate than other desert regions. The summer highs typically range from 85 to 100°F, while winter temperatures hover around 50 to 60°F, creating a comfortable environment for year-round observing.

The location is not only ideal for stargazing but is also historically significant. Situated near the Chiricahua National Monument, CSV lies close to the former stronghold of the great Apache leader, Cochise, after whom the county is named. Nearby towns such as Tombstone and Bisbee, rich in Old West history, add a sense of intrigue and adventure to the region. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Chiricahua Sky Village a truly special place for both amateur and professional astronomers.

CSV is easily accessible, located just 40 minutes from Interstate 10 and approximately 90 minutes from Tucson International Airport. For those traveling from Phoenix, the village is about a three-hour drive, ensuring that astronomers from across the state and beyond can easily make the journey to this premier observing site.

Personal Remote Observatories (PROs): New observing opportunities

In addition to its prime location and dark skies, Chiricahua Sky Village is also a hub for technological innovation in astronomy. One such innovation is the Personal Remote Observatory (PRO). The PRO concept allows members to set up their observatories in remote locations, making it an ideal option for those who cannot regularly visit CSV due to distance or other commitments.

The PRO system at CSV is being pioneered by member Blaine McCoy, who lives in Seattle, Washington. Blaine’s innovative design features a remotely powered roll-off roof that houses imaging equipment, including a Takahashi FS106 refractor and an ASI2400 full-frame camera mounted on a ZWO AM5 mount. The system is powered by high-capacity LiFePO4 batteries, ensuring that it can operate independently of external power sources. Solar panels provide an eco-friendly solution, while the system is connected to the internet through CSV’s WiFi mesh network, allowing for remote operation and monitoring.

This design is already in use by McCoy and is set to become a model for other CSV members who wish to construct their own PROs. The success of this initiative has prompted plans for a local company to manufacture these systems, which, once installed, would require only the user's personal imaging equipment. This new approach to remote astronomy has the potential to revolutionize the way members experience the night sky, giving them the freedom to observe from the comfort of their homes, no matter how far away they may be.

The Chiricahua Sky Village Pro Observatories offer a transformative opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts. Whether it's the clear, dark skies, the unobstructed 360-degree views, or the innovative Personal Remote Observatory designs, CSV continues to be at the forefront of astronomical exploration. The combination of these elements creates an environment where both seasoned astronomers and newcomers can share in the wonder of the universe, expanding their knowledge and passion for the stars.

Looking ahead, Chiricahua Sky Village will remain a hub for the advancement of amateur astronomy, supporting not only observation and imaging but also community and collaboration. As more members join and more PROs are developed, CSV will continue to solidify its place as one of the premier destinations for those seeking the ultimate astronomical experience. Whether through in-person visits or remote observatories, CSV is poised to lead the way into a new era of astronomy.

PRO Observatories at CSV