The first observatory was built in 1984 and dedicated in 1985. The production team members were, Roger Tanner, Bob Lennox , Ken Kelly, and myself. The building contains a 12.5" f/6 Newtonian reflector on an equatorial mount. Optics by Meade, GE mount by me, the R.A. drive by Byers, and the pier by Roger Tanner. In 1988 a second building was put here. A 10 foot domed building that was bought used from another club member. This building was used by Roger Tanner, where he put his equipment to do astrophotography, and CCD work. The complex also has an LX200 10" f/10 SCT, 8" f/6 Newtonian, and a 4" f/10 SCT for Solar Eclipse chasing. Eclipses include 1979 in Manitoba, 1984 in Georgia, 1994 here at NCO, and 1998 in Aruba.

February, 1998 - The second dome is now fully operational again, here at NCO, and contains a 10" f/10 SCT with Digital Setting Circles. This scope is the result of another group of people who have been working diligently on this observatory. Clayton Kessler, Jack Kennedy, Rick Kovari, Harry Kindt, George Korody, and help from Greg Burnett. There were several others who gave a helping hand on the refurbishing of this observotary. People from the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club, Lowbrow Astronomy Club and the Warren Astronomical Society.
Check out the status of the current projects

January 2004 - If mounted a 10" orion f/4.7 newt on the lx200 mount. I'll be using this scope as a travel scope over this coming year to see how it works out. I still have the dob mount for it, so I can always put it back on there. Just wanted to try something a bit different. I'll only be using this for visual, as it is not steady enough for anything else. I may even get a moto focus for it, to make it a bit easier to focus. It does vibrate when you touch it. Again, just an experiment. One of these days I'll actually put together something I really like. But until the kids are gone, thats not going to happen. ;)

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Finally, we are always looking for equipment to supplement the projects here, so if you have something you don't want or need anymore, feel free to contact us. We may be interested in it. Also, any extra cash you have is always welcome. 8)

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Hi, I'm Doug Bock and I am the resident observer for the Northern Cross Observatories, here in Fenton, MI. This facility is used periodically by the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club (FAAC), and the Warren Astronomical Society(WAS), for observing sessions. Also, if you want, you can read a little bit about my astronomy history. Also checkout the Photo Log Page.

Beware of Doug 8)