For schools, campuses, and public programs.
Observatories that support teaching, student engagement, and public access to astronomy, with systems designed to be approachable, reliable, and easy to operate.
Complete Observatory Systems
We design, build, equip, integrate, and commission observatories for private, commercial, academic, and government clients.
The Experience
Built for time under the sky
Your observatory should make it easier to spend time observing. The building, telescope, instruments, and controls should work together naturally and reliably.
We design each observatory around how it will be used, whether that means scientific research, education, imaging, outreach, or simply having a permanent place to observe.
Trusted By
Universities, public institutions, and private clients worldwide.
Who We Build For
Observatories for every kind of user
We work with schools, research programs, public institutions, and private clients. Each observatory is designed around its intended use, from public engagement and teaching to scientific work and personal observing.
For programs that depend on performance.
Observatories designed for scientific imaging, data collection, and repeatable operation, with the reliability and precision needed for serious research work.
For clients building around a specific vision.
Private observatories tailored to the site, equipment, and observing goals of the owner, whether for imaging, visual use, remote operation, or a long-term personal project.
Capabilities
End-to-end observatory expertise.
We support every phase of an observatory project, from early planning and engineering through equipment selection and procurement, system integration, commissioning, and ongoing operations.
Observatory Design and Build
Complete observatory development from concept through construction, including site assessment, engineering coordination, and project management.
Equipment Sales and Packages
Telescopes, mounts, cameras, instrumentation, and complete equipment packages selected and supplied for each project.
System Integration
Installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of the telescope, instruments, controls, power, and network systems.
Software & Automation
Control, monitoring, scheduling, safety, and remote operation for observatories ranging from manual to fully automated.
Operations & Maintenance
Ongoing monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and operational support for reliable long-term use.
Why First Light
One team for the full observatory lifecycle.
Our Footprint
Built for first light. Ready for everything after.
For a project team, first light is the culmination of years of work. For the people who will use the observatory, it is the beginning of everything that comes next.
We remain part of that journey through operations, maintenance, science support, and the continued evolution of the observatory.
100+
Observatories Delivered
50+
Years Combined Experience
Our Process
The complete journey.
Seven steps, one accountable partner from concept through ongoing operations. Tap any step to explore it.
Discovery & Vision
We start by understanding your goals, your site, and your science. What do you want to observe? Who will use it? This conversation shapes every decision that follows.
Site Assessment
Sky quality, seeing, access, soil, power. A great system in the wrong place fails. We make sure the site and the instrument are matched before anything is designed.
System Design & Engineering
Observatory architecture, enclosure selection, telescope and instrument specification, automation design, civil engineering — all documented before a tool is picked up.
Construction
Foundation, pier, enclosure, electrical, climate systems. Built for permanence — designed to operate reliably for decades in demanding outdoor conditions.
Equipment Integration
Telescope, mount, cameras, focusers, filter wheels, rotators — installed and aligned by specialists who have done it hundreds of times. Integration, not assembly.
Software & Commissioning
Control software configured, automation tested, remote access enabled, every system verified against your requirements. We don't hand over keys until everything works.
Operations & Support
Remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, software updates, hardware upgrades. We built it — we're the best people to keep it running, for as long as you need it.
Selected Work
Observatories we've delivered.
Private Observatory in California
The First Light team constructed a custom, one-of-a-kind private observatory for a client in California. The observatory has a PlaneWave CDK700 telescope, Ash 16'6" dome, and advanced automation controls.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
The First Light team helped design and build a world-class public outreach observatory. The observatory is outfitted with a PlaneWave CDK700, Ash 20'6" dome, automation controls, and dome projector system.
Cook Observatory
First Light built this private observatory to meet the needs of a client interested in both visual observing and astrophotography. The observatory includes a PlaneWave CDK600 telescope, Ash 14'6" dome, and fully autonomous observatory management system.
Latest News
What we're up to.
Site visit and feasibility study
Two new Montana observatories planned, to be outfitted with PlaneWave CDK1000 and PF1000 telescopes for advanced research and public outreach.
Montana observatory commissioned with industry-first PlaneWave 1000 Series Gimbal with four 17" OTAs
Advanced research installation featuring four PlaneWave CDK17 telescopes, each outfitted with adaptive optics and multiple camera sensors.
International Dark Sky Discovery Center observatory commissioned
PlaneWave CDK700 with ADA-accessible eyepiece periscope and fully autonomous Observatory Management System now operating in Fountain Hills, AZ.
Our Partners
A team effort.
First Light Astronomy works with specialist firms across architecture, construction, systems engineering, and software. Together, we bring the disciplines required to design, build, integrate, and operate complete observatories.
Design & Architecture
Observatory architecture from conceptual design through design development and construction documentation, including fully engineered plan sets.
Construction
Observatory construction including foundations, domes, MEP, and structural systems for projects of varying size and complexity.
Systems Engineering & Opto-Mechanical Deisgn
Systems engineering and integration for telescopes, mounts, cameras, instruments, and supporting equipment, configured to operate as a complete observatory system.
Software & Automation
Observatory control software for remote operation, scheduling, safety automation, system monitoring, and day-to-day control.
For Institutions
Universities, colleges, and research programs.
We build observatories for educational and research programs at every level, with systems designed for long-term use, shared access, and reliable operation. We also provide the support needed to keep programs running and evolving year after year.
Multi-user systems engineered for cohort-after-cohort reliability.
Procurement and compliance support for institutional requirements.
Commissioning and training tailored to faculty, staff, and students.
Long-term service and support as programs grow and evolve.
Equipment & Outfitting
The same gear we trust on our own builds.
The First Light shop gives observatory operators, researchers, and enthusiasts direct access to vetted, professional-grade equipment with expert technical support behind every order.
Start Your Project
Let's design your observatory.
Whether you're outfitting a private observatory, modernizing a university facility, or developing a national research program, First Light Astronomy can take your project from blueprint to first light.