The GNTO is the TAAS owned and operated observatory near Belen, NM. Located under beautiful dark skies, this facility is available to TAAS members and their guests. You don't even need to own a telescope. For the regular TAAS membership fee of just $30 a year, you can use both observatory domes, operate telescopes in a variety of sizes and styles, and produce your own digital pictures of distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters!
This observatory facility includes: several telescopes; individual drive-up observing pads; a kitchenette; and the Robert Ortega Building, which is a combination classroom, bunkhouse, and warm-up area, allowing for year-round observing comfort. (Clean picture)
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Star parties are scheduled monthly at GNTO around the new moon. They offer excellent opportunities to learn from seasoned amateur astronomers. Special events, such as Ladies Nights, picnics, and Messier Marathons are also held.
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Different levels of training allow members to progress in their use of the observing equipment.
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Safety is paramount at this remote site.
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The CCD camera takes great pictures of the night sky.
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The history of GNTO is a story of community.
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The GNTO is located 10 miles south of Belen, New Mexico, and about 50 miles south of Albuquerque. A detailed map is available by request from the GNTO Director
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The GNTO Clear Sky Clock below shows the forcasted sky conditions at GNTO. The best conditions are when the four horizontal lines are all 'dark' during nighttime hours. Click the image for an explanation.
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