Vega–Bray Observatory

The Vega-Bray Observatory is a facility located on a hill with views over the San Pedro River Valley, housing multiple telescopes for observing the night sky. In addition to the telescopes, the site includes a planetarium and a science classroom for education and outreach.

The observatory was established in 1990 by an optician and a pathologist, evolving from its original purpose as a private retreat for sky watchers. What began as a personal project became a public scientific facility open to visitors.

The facility is named after its two founders and serves as a place where people come to connect with the night sky through shared observation. Visitors experience astronomy not as distant science but as something they can see and explore themselves.

The site is located roughly two and a half hours from Phoenix, requiring planned travel to reach the hilltop location. Arriving before sunset gives visitors time to settle in and adjust to the outdoor observation area.

The facility houses a 20-inch Maksutov telescope that is permanently mounted in its own dome, dedicated to capturing detailed images of the night sky. This specialized setup is something visitors often overlook when focusing on the more interactive areas.

Location: Benson

Inception: 1990

GPS coordinates: 31.94080,-110.25700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03