Badlands Observatory

The Badlands Observatory (IAU code 918) is an astronomical observatory named after the Badlands National Park, located in Quinn, South Dakota, near the city of Wall, United States. The observatory was founded in 2000.^[2] by American amateur astronomer Ron Dyvig, who was associated with the Optical Sciences Center and Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. While there, he occasionally participated in observing runs using the telescopes on Kitt Peak. Kitt Peak Observatory As of November 2016, a total of 25 numbered minor planets were discovered at the observatory. The Minor Planet Center credits these discoveries to Ron Dyvig and to the observatory, respectively. The main-belt asteroid (315495) 2008 AQ₃ was discovered by Italian amateur astronomer Fabrizio Tozzi while using the Badlands Observatory telescope remotely via the Internet in 2008. ^[3] Asteroid 26715 South Dakota, discovered by Ron Dyvig in 2001, is named after the U.S. state South Dakota, where the Badlands observatory is located.^[4]

Badlands Observatory

Named after	Badlands National Park
Organization	Badlands Observatory LLC
Observatory code	918
Location	Quinn, South Dakota, US
Coordinates	43°59′27″N 102°7′51″W
Website	www.badlandsobservatory.com
Telescopes
unnamed 26-inch reflector
Location of Badlands Observatory

Minor planets discovered: 8 ^[1]

see § List of discovered minor planets

When the observatory opened in a former medical facility, the town of Quinn installed hoods over the street lights to reduce light pollution.^[5]

List of discovered minor planets

The Minor Planet Center credits the discovery of the following minor planets directly to the Badlands Observatory:^[1]

(26715) South Dakota	16 April 2001	list
(51570) Phendricksen	17 April 2001	list
(51772) Sparker	16 June 2001	list
(54720) Kentstevens	15 May 2001	list
(63528) Kocherhans	13 August 2001	list
(82361) 2001 MV6	23 June 2001	list
(94291) Django	21 February 2001	list
(134973) 2001 FA	16 March 2001	list

(160882) 2001 PC29	15 August 2001	list
(208349) 2001 RX10	11 September 2001	list
(220245) 2002 XR45	10 December 2002	list
(222433) 2001 QB	16 August 2001	list
(241780) 2001 OK	17 July 2001	list
(252591) 2001 XO1	9 December 2001	list
(315495) 2008 AQ3	10 January 2008	list

See also

• List of asteroid-discovering observatories
• List of astronomical observatories
• List of minor planet discoverers § Discovering dedicated institutions
• List of observatory codes

References

1. "Minor Planet Discoverers (by number)". Minor Planet Center. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
2. "Badlands Observatory". SD Space Grant Consortium. 21 November 2013. Archived from the original on 26 December 2007. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
3. "315495 (2008 AQ3)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 30 November 2016.
4. Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). "(26715) South Dakota". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (26715) South Dakota. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 880. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-29925-7_9845. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3.
5. "$25,000 Observatory Helps Scientists Track Asteroids". Voice of America. October 27, 2009.

External links

• Badlands Observatory Clear sky clock Weather forecasts of observing conditions.