Fred Lossing Observatory FLO
The Fred P. Lossing Observatory (FLO)
FLO is operated by RASC Ottawa chapter for the benefit of its members. Members may bring their own observing gear or, if certified, use one of the permanent club telescopes.
The observatory was established in 1971 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021. It has been located at the current site since 1977. Recent improvements have increased the number of permanent telescopes and observing areas.
FLO is located in relatively dark skies just outside of Almonte, about 45 km west of the Highway 417/416 interchange. We lease a portion land at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. The observatory is accessed from 365 Bennies Corners Road via a private gated lane.
At RASC Ottawa we hope to inspire your interest and foster your knowledge of astronomy. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just beginning to explore the wonders of the cosmos, we have expertise and resources to offer. Our vibrant community of members shares a passion for all things astronomical, and we are here to support and guide you on your astronomical journey.
See current weather conditions at FLO
Facilities and Activities
Facilities
There are two observing mounds where members can set up their own equipment and access hydro power outlets. A clubhouse/warm room and an outhouse are available. The clubhouse contains the log book, reference materials, club eyepieces, binoculars, and a basic 10″ DOB (no motor or computer) for member use.
There are three fixed-mount telescopes on site, each housed in its own structure. Use of these telescopes requires training, certification, and payment of a small additional annual fee to cover their maintenance and operating expenses. Qualified users for these telescopes are listed here.
The Mike Wirths Telescope
Equipment: 18″ Starmaster DOB with GoTo
Structure: roll-off roof building (south mound)
Status: operational
The Rolf Meier Memorial Telescope
Equipment: 6″ Astro-Physics Refractor on a German equatorial mount
Structure: dome building (north mound)
Status: operational
The Paul Comision Memorial Telescope
Equipment: 14″ Meade SCT on a wedge mount
Structure: SkyShed Pod on a deck (north mound)
Status: operational
Please make a log book entry when you visit FLO!
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Site Use Guidelines, contact the FLO director at: flo@ottawa.rasc.ca
FLO star parties
RASC member star parties are held, weather permitting, once a month on a Saturday close to the new moon.
Go/NoGo is announced to the club email list around noon on the day. These star parties are NOT open to the public, but members may bring family members or a guest.
Typical attendance is 5 to 15 people. There is plenty of room on the two observing mounds for personal telescope and camera setups. The club telescopes may be open for observing if a qualified user is present.
2024 FLO star parties are scheduled on the following Saturdays (occasionally a backup date is used):
- 13 Jan. - nogo
- 10 Feb. - nogo
- 9 Mar. - nogo
- 7 Apr. (backup) - GO (8 attended)
- 11 May - nogo
- 8 Jun. - nogo
- 6 Jul. - nogo
- 4 Aug. (backup) - GO (10 attended)
- 5 Sep. (backup) - GO (7 attended)
- 5 Oct. - GO (40 attended)
- 2 November - GO (12 attended)
- 30 November - nogo
- 28 December - waning moon (5%)
