Whistler Observatory Explained at Friday Night Meeting

Theresa Whistler hosted a presentation on the observatory at the Roosevelt Center on Friday evening that was accessible by Zoom via the Hero’s STEAM Center Facebook page. There were five Zoom connections and an unknown number of in-person attendees who heard firsthand of the goals and progress of the Whistler Observatory. The meeting was recorded but had not been posted on their Facebook page at time of publication.

Whistler began by stating that the observatory is neither a Dark Skies project nor a Theresa Whistler project. It’s a Hero’s STEAM Center project. “The goal of the project is to build and maintain an accessible observatory that accommodates night-sky observation and educational activity in the City of Red Lodge as a no-cost opportunity for anyone that has interest in astronomy, the night-sky and/or related science and technology. The Roll-off Roof Observatory is named ‘Whistler Observatory’ in memory of Hero’s STEAM Center founder, Ken Whistler.” The project started when the Red Lodge Dark Skies group was forming and had no place to meet. They started meeting at Hero’s STEAM Center and when given a telescope had the idea to build an observatory. Whistler applied to Red Lodge Area Community Foundation for the first grant and the Foundation liked the idea so much they doubled their grant from the $1,000 amount asked for to $2,000. To date, four telescopes have been donated to Hero’s.

Whistler said she then reached out to Steve Smith who is on the Joint Airport Board. She remembers having a conversation wherein Smith was satisfied that the observatory would not be in the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). Smith remembers events differently: “I did speak with Theresa and explained what a Runway Protection Zone is and that both ends of our runway must have such a defined zone. Theresa never indicated exactly where she would locate the original concrete pad -- she just had it poured.  Fortunately, it was not in the RPZ. The Airport Board was never consulted or shown any plans for the observatory. Even though the observatory has steadily increased in size, it probably is not in the RPZ.  But without plans, we can't be sure.”

It was decided to locate the observatory within city limits to avoid the necessity of Hero’s obtaining a second insurance policy. Whistler received support from the City Parks Board and Jim Bushnell of Public Works. The observatory was further supported by the City Council passing Resolution 3599. Whistler stated that neither the City Council nor the Parks Board are in the business of design approval. “That's up to the city planner and the building inspector and what we had worked out. So that's what went down. I know there's been some questions and concerns about how did this happen. So Parks Board did their bit, building inspectors did their bit, city planner was in the loop, everybody, you know, knew what was happening.” Letters of support have been received from Kristen Cogswell in her capacity as mayor, Kurt Nell from Red Lodge Public Schools, Tracy Timmons of Red Lodge Area Community Foundation, Jeremy Battles of Red Lodge Dark Skies and one from a Dr. Lyman who “understands the delicate nature of light pollution.”

After visiting other observatories, it was decided that a packable solar array wouldn’t be sufficient so she asked “the city” to allow a fixed solar array. With a fixed solar array they can have outlets and lighting as well, which will require installing wiring throughout the building. The observatory is designed to be used by individuals and groups even when Hero’s is not hosting an event. The viewing pad (cement skirt around the building) “affords everybody a safe and secure place to set up their scopes.” Although, in a humorous aside, she did mention that visitors are responsible for bringing their own bear spray! In addition, she mentioned that the observatory pad can be used during the day for nature talks and other presentations so people aren’t trampling the native vegetation. In addition to providing this facility for individuals and astronomy groups, Whistler said the “Chamber of Commerce is more than welcome to develop and offer astro-related tourism.”

Phases one and two of the project are the physical project build. A phase three was mentioned but not discussed. Enough money has been raised to get the observatory building “buttoned up” for winter, but not enough for solar and electrical to make the roof operational. Whistler estimates a new fundraising goal of approximately $10,000 will provide funding for the solar panel build and to wire the observatory, although she does not yet have the design or cost estimates for those items. The metal pipe structure next to the observatory building is for the solar panels.

During the Q&A period, it was asked at what point construction would halt if they couldn’t raise the additional amount and what would happen to the observatory if the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was cancelled with 30 days notice as provided for in the agreement. It is unclear who would own the building should the MOU be cancelled. Whistler stated there was no reason to put this much effort and time into a project and then abandon it. She will continue fundraising and writing grants to finish the project. When asked about providing for future maintenance and repairs, Whistler replied, “First we have to build it, and then we’ll work on endowments.” She said she plans to do a lot more grant writing in the future.

It was also asked if Hero’s insurance coverage meets the City’s requirements for use of City property. Whistler stated that Hero’s does not have to meet that standard because of the MOU. She stated earlier in the presentation that the MOU is in place but has not yet been implemented because the construction of the observatory is not complete.

In answer to another question regarding parking and bathrooms, Whistler stated that parking for the observatory is on the street. They will not be providing bathrooms or portable toilets. They don’t plan to provide facilities during their events because participants won’t stay very long. “They come, they look, they leave.” Because of the MOU, they do not have to meet the same sanitation requirements as other planned events. Kristen Cogswell noted that the observatory opens the door for all sorts of possibilities and that needing more public restrooms always comes up in conversations in town.

Whistler was pleased to announce that people have been asking how to donate. She shared that Hero’s has put out a “one pager” with an overview of the project and information on how to donate including a QR code and link. Hero’s STEAM Center has a Facebook page and is located in the Roosevelt Center.

Theresa Whistler was sent a copy of this article prior to publication and asked to review for accuracy and to provide information on where to obtain the “one pager”. No reply had been received at time of publication.