Ted Barker Solar Observatory

The Ted Barker Solar Observatory houses an 8-inch telescope equipped with H-Alpha, Mylar, and Thousand Oaks filters for solar viewing. Each filter reveals different features of the Sun, including sunspots, solar flares, and convection cells, bringing our nearest star's dynamic activity into sharp focus. The telescope is also a GOTO system with a built-in object catalog, making it equally capable as a nighttime instrument when the Sun goes down.

Ted Barker was a member of UACNJ for 14 years, serving as Vice President in 2002-2003 and President in 2004-2005. He served on and chaired many committees during his years with UACNJ and contributed to all aspects of the construction of the five observatories at Jenny Jump. To honor Ted, who lost his battle with cancer in April 2008, the UACNJ Board of Directors voted to name the solar observatory after him.

The Ted Barker Solar Observatory opened for the 2009 public season, and a dedication ceremony was held for Ted's friends and family in May of that year.