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Valmont Observatory

Explore the Wonders of the Universe

Explore the Wonders of the UniverseExplore the Wonders of the UniverseExplore the Wonders of the Universe

Join us for stargazing events at our observatory, and visit us at Church on Sunday's at 10:30. 

Link to Church Website

303-882-0521

  • Home
  • About the VOG
  • Gallery of Astro-Photos
  • Contact
  • Valmont Church
  • Suggested Links

Discover the Wonders of Valmont Observatory -

October 12 Star Party a Success

On October 12th, the Valmont Observatory Group held a successful observing event, after four previous cloud-outs.  Celestial highlights included The Double Cluster is Perseus, Dumbbell Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, M13 Globular Cluster and other deep-sky objects. The evening concluded with a beautiful view of Saturn. Our video telescope and the 11" Travis telescope operated flawlessly during the event. 


One of the major objectives of the Observatory is having the ability to quickly set up for a viewing event.  The preparation of the Dome and setting up the video telescope was completed in less than 30 minutes.  Alignment of the primary telescope was achieved in about 5 minutes.  The “Go-To” computer control centered celestial objects every time.  


Stay tuned for future sky-viewing events. 


Research Areas

Discover the research areas and projects conducted by the Valmont Observatory researchers. Learn about the cutting-edge technologies and methods used in our studies of exoplanets, dark matter, and cosmology. The observatory's founder worked on the Hubble and James Webb telescopes, as well as numerous other scientific missions for NASA and the European Space Agency. 

Education Resources

In August of 2025, the VOG hosted the Boy and Girls Scouts from Boulder for a memorable event. The event kicked off with pizza and a warm welcome from our club members, who shared their passion for astronomy with the young scouts. We started with a presentation on Astronomy and science and the potential for careers and sharing the love of astronomy. 

We shared stories of famous astronomers and connected the evening’s observations to the scouts’ merit badge requirements, ensuring the experience was both educational and rewarding. The Boulder Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts brought incredible energy to the event, and their enthusiasm reminded us all why we love sharing our passion for astronomy. The event was a testament to the power of community collaboration, blending the scouts’ adventurous spirit with our club’s dedication to exploring the cosmos. 



Contact us for homeschooling, scouting or other educational opportunities. 


Access Resources

Join the Community

Join the Valmont Observatory community and participate in our events, discussions, and collaborations. Connect with fellow astronomy enthusiasts and researchers from around the world.

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Church and Science?

Valmont Observatory Group

• Why Does a Church Have an Observatory?

• The More Science Unravels the Mysteries of the Universe, the More it is Clear God Created the Heavens and the Earth

  • The Strickler-Crowe Observatory and the Travis Telescope Has Been Dedicated as an Outreach to the Community and Benefit to Members for Our Edification and Enjoyment
  • The Boulder Area is a Center for Scientific Research and Development, We Believe Our Observatory Will Attract Interest and Stimulate Discussions About Faith and Science



Our History and Mission

Back in March of 2007, Dr. Stew Strickler, Mr. Ken Crowe and several members of Valmont Church were discussing the Boulder area, and the large scientific community.  We stimulated the idea of building an observatory to attract more like-minded individuals to Valmont Church, and the Valmont Observatory Group was born.  By August of that year, a 12” computerized telescope was donated to this effort.  Over the years, we had several star parties and topical discussion events, however, without an observatory with aligned  telescope and permanent structure we did not hold events as often as we wanted.


  In 2024, members of Valmont Church organized, fabricated and dedicated a 10-foot diameter professional Observatory, complete with a state-of-the-art telescope mounted on a permanent pier.  The Valmont Observatory Group (VOG) plans to hold multiple events for church members and the public, with our new capabilities. 


In addition to astronomical events, we are planning to have guest lecture  to discuss latest advances in astrophysical theories, space telescope technology as well as discussions on how faith and science are not mutually exclusive. 


Astrophotography is another key objective of the VOG.  Our new telescope has advanced optics and has significantly more capabilities for deep-sky photography than our previous telescopes.  The VOG efforts are intended to provide knowledge  entertainment, and fellowship to our members, as well as provide an outreach to the public to introduce our church to the community.  We look forward to contacting home-school and private school organizations to discuss astronomy and introduce our facilities to the public. 

Our Telescopes

    Celestron 11" Edge HTD on Permanent Pier Mount

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    Explore the Cosmos at Valmont Observatory

      Trifid Nebula taken at Valmont 

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      Astro Photography at Valmont

      Helix Nebula -

      Helix Nebula - Taken at Valmont

      M24 Star Cloud in Sagittarius

      M24 Star Cloud in Sagittarius 

      Fireworks Galaxy

      Fireworks Galaxy - 120 Minute Exposure - Taken at Valmont

      Lagoon Nebula (M8)

      Lagoon Nebula (M8) Taken At Valmont

      M13- Globular Cluster in Hercules

      M13- Globular Cluster in Hercules 

      M81 and M82 - Galaxies in Ursa Major - Taken at Valmont

      M81 and M82 - Galaxies in Ursa Major - Taken at Valmont

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      Valmont Observatory

      3262 North 61st Street, Boulder, CO, USA

      303-882-0521

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