Observatory Design & Consulting — Since 2014

Where precision
meets the night sky

From private rooftop installations to research-class university facilities — Observatory Systems designs, specifies, and brings observatories to life across North America.

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Observatory Design & Consulting Technical Systems Design University & Research Facilities Private & Estate Observatories Dome & Roll-Off Roof Systems Research-Class Instrumentation Observatory Management System Observatory Design & Consulting Technical Systems Design University & Research Facilities Private & Estate Observatories Dome & Roll-Off Roof Systems Research-Class Instrumentation Observatory Management System
80+
Projects Completed
—
Years of Experience
1m+
Class Telescopes
IDSDC copper dome
Thacher School twilight
Rancho Mirage exterior
Snow King interior
IDSDC dome slit stars

About

Built around
one thing

Observatory Systems specializes in observatory design and consulting, founded in 2014. We work exclusively in this space — and that focus is everything.

We work with universities, research institutions, and private clients to conceive, specify, and realize observatories of every scale — from intimate personal installations to fully automated research-class facilities.

Our role is to translate your scientific and architectural vision into a complete, integrated system. Every specification, partner relationship, and technical decision is made in service of one outcome: an observatory that performs flawlessly for decades.

Clients at work in the observatory control room

What We Do

Full-spectrum observatory
design & consulting

Site Assessment & Planning
Evaluation of sky conditions, site topology, seeing characteristics, and light pollution. We identify the optimal location and orientation before a single foundation is poured.
Technical Systems Design
Comprehensive technical design of the complete observatory system — mount, optical train, instrumentation, dome or enclosure mechanics, thermal management, and power infrastructure.
Instrument Specification
Expert specification and procurement coordination for telescopes, mounts, cameras, spectrographs, and accessory systems across every tier of the market.
Enclosure & Dome Consulting
Selection, specification, and integration of dome systems, roll-off roof structures, clamshell enclosures, and architectural observatory buildings — coordinated with your architect and builder.
Software & Automation
Design and integration of observatory control systems, telescope automation, weather monitoring, remote access, and our proprietary OMS platform for fully automated or remote operation.
Commissioning & Integration
On-site and remote commissioning to verify the complete system performs to specification — optics aligned, automation tested, and every component operating as designed from night one.

Why Observatory Systems

Built on precision,
delivered with expertise

Specialists, Not Generalists
We do one thing: observatories. That singular focus means every decision draws from over a decade of purpose-built experience no general contractor can match.
Scope to Scale
Whether your project needs design and consulting only, or a full build with construction and procurement, we bring the right partners — nothing more, nothing less.
Research to Residential
From 1-meter research telescopes at major universities to private estate observatories, we bring the same rigor and care to every project regardless of scale.
Proprietary Technology
The OMS — Observatory Management System — is our own platform. Purpose-built for real-world operation, available exclusively through Observatory Systems.

Selected Projects

80+ observatories.
Every one unique.

A portfolio spanning community colleges and research universities, private estates and public mountaintop observatories across North America.

Cal State San Bernardino dual observatory domes at dusk
Cal State San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
International Dark Sky Discovery Center observatory, Arizona
International Dark Sky Discovery Center
Arizona
The Thacher School observatory dome, Ojai California
The Thacher School
Ojai, California
Great Basin Observatory at night, Nevada
Great Basin Observatory
Nevada
Snow King Mountain Observatory, Jackson Wyoming
Snow King Mountain Observatory
Jackson, Wyoming
University of Central Florida observatory
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
College of the Desert observatory, Palm Desert California
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, California
University of Maine observatory, Orono
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Soka University observatory, Aliso Viejo California
Soka University
Aliso Viejo, California
Rancho Mirage Observatory, California
Rancho Mirage Observatory
Rancho Mirage, California
Private observatory, Marin County California
Private Observatory
Marin County, California
Private observatory, Jackson Hole Wyoming
Private Observatory
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Private observatory interior, Jackson Hole Wyoming
Private Observatory
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Observatory Management System control room at International Dark Sky Discovery Center, Arizona
OMS — International Dark Sky Discovery Center, Arizona

Proprietary Technology

Observatory
Management System

The OMS is Observatory Systems' proprietary observatory control platform — a custom-integrated hardware and software system designed from the ground up for real-world observatory operation.

Where off-the-shelf solutions compromise, the OMS integrates. Every telescope, dome, instrument, weather sensor, and control interface connects through a single, coherent system purpose-built for your specific facility.

Custom server rack and integrated hardware platform
Full telescope, dome, and instrument automation
Remote operation and monitoring from anywhere
Weather integration and safety interlocks
Designed for research, education, and private use
Exclusive to Observatory Systems Projects

How We Work

The right team
for every project

Observatory Systems
Design & Technical Systems
We lead technical systems design, instrumentation specification, and project coordination — independently or as part of a larger project team. For design and consulting scopes, we work directly with you from first conversation through commissioning.
Independent & Collaborative
First Light Astronomy
Equipment & Procurement
For major builds requiring full instrumentation procurement, First Light Astronomy is our preferred prime. They bring the vendor relationships and logistics that large-scale projects demand — we serve as their technical systems design specialist, ensuring every instrument is specified and integrated correctly.
Preferred Prime — Major Builds
Sea West Observatories
Construction & Integration
When a project requires physical construction — foundations, piers, dome structures, or full observatory buildings — Sea West is our trusted construction partner. Their experience building to the precise tolerances astronomy demands makes them the right choice for any build component.
Preferred Construction Partner

Ready to build
something extraordinary?

Every observatory begins with a conversation. Tell us about your vision — we'll tell you what's possible.

Begin Your Project 818-813-2452

info@observatorysystems.com