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 afterBadlands National Park 
OrganizationBlack Hills Astronomical Society
Observatory code918
LocationQuinn, Pennington County, South Dakota
Coordinates43°59′27″N 102°7′51″W
Website
Telescopes
unnamed26-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]

(82361) 2001 MV623 June 2001list
(134973) 2001 FA16 March 2001list
(160882) 2001 PC2915 August 2001list
(208349) 2001 RX1011 September 2001list
(220245) 2002 XR4510 December 2002list
(222433) 2001 QB16 August 2001list
(241780) 2001 OK17 July 2001list
(252591) 2001 XO19 December 2001list

See also

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. 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.
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