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Peach Mountain is a facility owned by the University of Michigan and is located within Stinchfield Woods (a wood lot owned by the University about four miles from Dexter). There is a radio telescope and other equipment on Peach Mountain operated by various departments in the University. There is also a 24 inch optical telescope operated by an amateur astronomy club known as the “University Lowbrow Astronomers.”
The public has the opportunity to look through the 24 inch telescope and other telescopes. [The 24 inch McMath telescope is now operational; visitors at open houses will be able to look through the McMath as well as other telescopes.]
Members of the club often bring their own telescopes and visitors are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and setup before its dark. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own binoculars.
Open houses begin at sunset. If conditions are unusually cold or if it is cloudy, the open house may be canceled. If in doubt, call (734) 332-9132 after 4 PM the day of the event to determine the status. Closing time is season dependent: 11:00 PM in winter, later for the rest of the year.
Peach Mountain often gets quite cold, dress warmly. In warm weather mosquitoes can be a problem, so do not forget insect repellent.
(Go here for a calendar of open houses and other astronomy events.)
Peach Mountain is located on North Territorial road about four miles North of Dexter.
To get to the observatory, travel 1.1 miles west along North Territorial Road from the Dexter-Pinckney Road intersection. You will see a small maize and blue sign that marks the gate.
We request that you turn cellular telephones and similar equipment off at this point (they interfere with ongoing research work). Travel about a mile along the dirt road, turn left, and you will see a radio telescope and a parking area.
Walk west from the small parking lot keeping the fence to the left and turn left again keeping the fence to the left. Follow the path for about 700 feet until you see the pale blue building. Inside is the 24 inch telescope. Club members and visitors may set up their telescopes in the field next to the 24 inch telescope.
In order to promote an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone attending star parties at Peach Mountain, the following code of conduct must be followed: