Support science education and community connection at the Ritchie Observatory!
The Ritchie Observatory at Battle Point Park on Bainbridge Island is the only public observatory in Western Washington. This year the Observatory has launched a STEAM initiative for Kitsap County's K-8 schools. Your gift will enable the Observatory to directly support Kitsap school curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on programs at the Observatory or through our mobile programming at schools. Your support for this initiative enables Observatory staff and volunteers to connect students to the wonders of the night sky through both technical and creative exploration for little or no cost.
Resources include the Rudolph Planetarium inside the Observatory, a mobile planetarium that can come to your school, a state of the art telescope permanently installed on the Observatory roof, an extensive library of astronomy resources, and a wide range of telescopes that can be set up to view the night sky and astronomical events. These resources are available to the public and our initiative in 2025 is to make them more available to schools to support STEAM curriculum.
By supporting Ritchie Observatory programs, you're not just providing educational opportunities for Kitsap youth; you're helping them experience wonder and awe at the Universe around us and our place in it. The Ritchie Observatory fosters curiosity, creativity, and scientific understanding in young minds across our region. Make your gift today!