As the remaining embers from his campfire died away, a young Ron Dyvig’s gaze followed their ascent up to the night sky. There, illuminated against the backdrop of the glittering cosmos, his scoutmaster pointed out Mars.
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Ron Dyvig, founder of Badlands Observatory, sits in one of two galleries on the main floor. Dyvig's career has spanned decades.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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The small agrarian community of Quinn sits just off of Interstate 90 in western South Dakota.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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A photo of Ron's friends who kept the observatory project alive.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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Teresa Hofer and Ron Dyvig of Badlands Observatory in Quinn, South Dakota.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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The main telescope at Badlands Observatory. A 26" Newtonian reflector handcrafted by Ron Dyvig sits nestled in the main assembly.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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Dyvig's homemade telescope lens test device.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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Ron Dyvig next to the Badlands Observatory's main telescope. Dyvig crafted the lens himself and designed the tools needed to test it.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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A vintage radio, one of several that sit on Dyvig's desk.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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This telegraph key was used in a B-17 bomber during World War II. Dyvig knows Morse code and said children who visit the Observatory are delighted to hear their names typed out.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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The radio dish at Badlands Observatory in Quinn, South Dakota.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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Dyvig points out a slightly darker strip of orange — hydrogen measured through the radio telescope.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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A plaque commemorating Asteroid Number 26715 "South Dakota" hangs in the gallery at Badlands Observatory. The asteroid was discovered by Ron Dyvig in April 2001.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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The NOAA cloud cover prediction for Saturday night shows mostly clear skies over western South Dakota.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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The constellation Lyra will appear in the northeastern sky. Vega, its brightest star, helps observers identify the harp-shaped constellation. The Lyrids meteor shower radiant point will be just above and to the right of Vega.
EarthSky.org
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Ron Dyvig on the stairs leading to the Badlands Observatory's main telescope.
Darsha Dodge, Journal staff
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