About Us

Who are we?

Initially an Eagle Scout Project, the Hopatcong Observatory is a public observatory located in the Hopatcong High School courtyard.  The Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club is a 501c3 that cares for and operates the observatory.  Our activities include: 

To date, the club has hosted several scout troops,  organized public star parties & solar eclipse events, and held classes for local students. The club continues the mission statement of the Eagle Scout Project by providing a community resource where people can enjoy and learn more about the cosmos around them.

To stay up to date, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopatcongobservatory/ 

For directions to the Observatory: https://maps.app.goo.gl/brEsn6K4SdyqKo4M6 

History

To become an Eagle Scout, a scout must earn 21 merit badges, and advance through the ranks of the scouting program. Finally, the scout must "...plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community." The Hopatcong Observatory started out as the dream of Tenderfoot scout Justin McCarthy in 2014. Since he was 6, he attended the Springfield Telescope Maker's Stellafane Convention in Vermont. At the convention that year, Justin heard from another Eagle Scout who built a space observatory at his high school. 

Justin brought the idea home with him, and when it was time to come up with an Eagle Scout project, he pitched the idea to his family, his troop, and the scout council. Although some were skeptical of such an ambitious project, the Observatory started to materialize as he got approvals from the scout council, zoning board, and school. The project was officially started in 2016, when fundraising and conceptual planning began. Plans were drafted up and modified to fit the needs of the Observatory. By the time 2017 came around, the school board approved the Observatory to be placed in the high school courtyard, so that teachers and students would have easy access to this educational resource. Materials were purchased, and construction began as the walls were prefabricated in the high school wood shop. 

As the spring of 2017 rolled around, an excavation was dug and the concrete footing was poured. The floor substructure was framed, and the walls were brought into the courtyard and lifted into position in the summer of 2017. Next, track was laid so that the roof could roll away from the building, offering an unobstructed view of the night sky. With the track constructed, the roof was framed out. The building was painted in the fall of 2017, and the door was installed. One thing was missing, however: the telescope.  Justin used a telescope that he had won in a raffle at the same convention where he was inspired to build the Observatory. The project had come full circle. The Observatory was complete. In all, the project totaled over 300 man hours and $3,000 in donations. The building was officially dedicated in June of 2018, at Justin's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. 

Ever since, the Observatory has hosted scouts and Hopatcong students. However, a formal organization was necessary to look after and continue the mission statement of the Observatory. In January of 2023, the Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club was formed. The club still hosts scouts and students, but also meets with its members to share the hobby of amateur astronomy, cementing its role in the community as a place of learning.

Who are we?

We are a club of accomplished amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike. Whatever your skill level or interests may be, there is a spot for you in the club.