The Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA) is a non-profit corporation founded in 1992. After the incorporation of BPAA by Ed Ritchie, Mac Gardner and John Rudolph, the founders were able to obtain two extremely high quality Zerodur mirror blanks from the Boeing company. These mirror blanks were surplused from a “Star Wars” project. One mirror was 40″, the other 27.5″. The 40″ mirror would have produce a telescope that exceeded local height restrictions. Ultimately, it found a good home at the University of Arizona. The BPAA retained the 27.5″ mirror to build the primary telescope of our association.
Pictured above:
Frank Petrie (President BPAA), Cole Rees (Chief Astronomer), Ulysses Glanzrock, Mario Torres
Pictured above:
Cole Rees (Chief Astronomer) testing out the new imaging system
The 27.5" (0.7 meter) Ritchie Telescope has a focal length of 3150mm at F/4.5. It was primarily used as a visual scope, open to the public. Upgrades have been made, including a much needed declination gear upgrade in 2020. The project was a huge undertaking, enlisting funding from the City of Bainbridge Island, support from Everette Engineering, and countless hours of machine fabrication provided by members of BPAA and BARN. Combined with new software, the results were a much more reliable pointing model and opening the door to the possibilities of imaging.
At the start of 2022, research began into constructing an imaging train for the Ritchie. The telescope was decommissioned from visual use and cameras were moved into place over eyepieces. During the first year of photographic operation, the dome was not automated. This prevented imaging. During the fall of 2022, the dome was automated and imaging could truly begin. Weather permitting, the telescope will now be in operation every clear night.Visual astronomy, and astrophotography are unfortunately two very different worlds. Many upgrades still need to be completed to bring the Ritchie up to the rigorous standards of imaging. Our members volunteer countless hours in support of this task. Every day we get closer.
What we bring to you today is a single image created by the Ritchie. This image can be greatly improved upon still. With time and effort from our volunteers, our goal is to bring high quality images to the astronomy community, sharing the wonders of the universe.
If you would like to learn more about the Ritchie Telescope, Battle Point Astronomical Association, or volunteer your support, feel free to check out our website at
https://bpastro.org/ 
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