The MOUNT DIABLO OBSERVATORY ASSOCIATION (MDOA) is dedicated to public education in astronomy. The organization includes scientists, engineers and other professional people, with a common interest in astronomy and a desire to further science education.

Mailing Address: Mt. Diablo Observatory Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 3165
Walnut Creek, CA 94598-3165
Email

MDOA has been working to construct a small astronomical observatory. It would be the first observatory on Mount Diablo State Park since 1927! 

We [MDOA] have raised nearly $400,000 for this project. The building, which we hope to construct, would including a small lecture room and housing for a telescope accessible to students in the K through 12 grades and the general public.  

The telescope is to be a 16 inch Cassegrain, driven by computer controlled motors. Construction of the optics are nearing completion (see link at right). 

Currently MDOA and its parent group, the  Mount Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) are two park docent groups that provide regularly scheduled public programs on the lower summit parking lot of Mt. Diablo State Park. 

Both groups provide telescopes set up to view celestial objects on selected Saturday evenings. These park sponsored astronomy programs reach more than 2,500 persons annually; About half of these visitors are of school age. 

If you would like more information about the public program schedule, please call (925) 837 - 2525. Press 4 followed by the # sign during the recorded menu. To contact MDOA, you can reach us at: 

MDOA  
P.O. Box 3165  
Walnut Creek,  CA  94598  

Or, you may contact one of the board members using the following link MDOA Board Member 

 
Photograph of the primary mirror for the observatory telescope.
(Click image to see more)   

The material above is provided by Mt Diablo Observatory Association
and Mt Diablo Astronomical Society