The Schoonover Observatory in Schoonover Park, Lima (670 N. Jefferson St.) will be open at 8:00pm on the first Friday of every month. This coincides with the regular monthly meetings of the Lima Astronomical Society. The Observatory will also be open from time to time for special events related to sky phenomena taking place at the time. On regular meeting nights, there will be a short business meeting at 8:00pm, followed at 8:30pm by some sort of presentation lasting approximately an hour. Observations will commence thereafter. Everyone is welcome to attend the Society's regular meetings and any special events.

You are encouraged to come to the observatory and look through the 14-inch Celestron telescope housed at that facility. Members of the Lima Astronomical Society will be on hand to operate the telescope and answer your questions. Check the Calendar of Events on our website to see who will be the Host for the evening.

The staff of Schoonover Observatory is solely composed of the membership of the Lima Astronomical Society. The Lima Astronomical Society is made up of individuals from Lima and the surrounding communities who are interested in the sky. They receive no compensation for managing the Observatory on behalf of the City of Lima and the Park District. Public sessions are a part of the Educational and Scientific basis for the Society's non-profit status.

Whether its summer public observing nights, cub scout pack or any other special event or activity, The Lima Astronomical society strives to provide fun and informative programs for our visitors. The LAS provides these activities through the generous, voluntary efforts of its members who comprise the entire staff of Schoonover Observatory.

Schoonover Observatory is owned by the City of Lima and is managed by The Lima Astronomical Society. Although the City of Lima provides for utilities and maintenance, all equipment, supplies and materials are supplied by the LAS and are paid for membership dues and your generous donations.

The Lima Astronomical Society is not just dedicated to managing Schoonover Observatory and providing public outreach. The LAS is first of all, a community of local  amateur astronomers that meet on a regular basis to share experiences and help each other grow in our hobby. Our members are involved in such diverse activities as astrophotography, astrometry, telescope making and much more. So if you are a beginner wanting to learn more or a more advanced amateur that is carrying on in isolation, you should consider a memberhip in the LAS. Any hobby is much more enjoyable when shared with others.