Wagman Observatory

dl_wagmanDS5p.jpg Deer Lakes Park is home to the the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, which is owned and operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP).

Built in 1987 and expanded in 1995, the Wagman Observatory is the first amateur astronomical observatory in western Pennsylvania.

Star Parties

At the observatory, AAAP holds Star Parties, where visitors may view celestial objects through the observatory’s two large permanent telescopes: the Brashear 11-Inch Refractor and the Manka Memorial Telescope, or any of a wide variety of members' portable telescopes.

Star Parties are held weather permitting and posted on the AAAP website.

At Wagman Observatory, vistors can:

  • Understand how to use telescope equipment, so BYOT (Bring Your Own Telescope!).
  • Buy a telescope, accessories, star charts, and books.
  • Learn more about the stars with free handouts, guides, and books.

Young boy on a step ladder gazing into a telescope
Family of star gazers waiting for sundown
Man looking through telescope
Row of cars and telescopes with star gazers waiting for sundown
Silhouette of man looking through telescope at dusk
Three quarters moon

Location

225 Kurn Road
Tarentum, PA 15084

40.627°, -79.813°

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