About
Vision
Igniting passion for science through the lens of astronomy.
Mission
To provide opportunities for children, students, and adults to observe, discover, and share the wonders of the Universe. Supported by our members and the wider community, curious minds of all ages can engage in hands-on experiences of astronomy, space exploration, and the technologies that make it possible.
2025 Directors
President – Frank Petrie
Treasurer & Newsletter – Joe Mulligan
Secretary & Development Director – Betsy Daniels
Facilities Officer – Peter Moseley
Education Officer – Erin Leigh Howard
Member-at-Large – Chuck Wraith
History
The Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA) was founded in 1992 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. BPAA operates the Battle Point Observatory, formerly the home to the 27-inch Ritchie Telescope, the largest telescope accessible to the public in the Pacific Northwest. In 2024 it was removed in preparation for new, more capable telescopes.
Battle Point Observatory was constructed from the shell of the Helix House, a World War II relic that in 1992 was scheduled for demolition and removal by the Bainbridge Island Parks Department. Thanks to the vision of the founders of the Battle Point Astronomical Association (John H. Rudolph, Edwin Ritchie and Mac Gardiner), that demolition never took place; instead, through private volunteer community efforts an Observatory was created. The basic construction was completed in 1997. The current Battle Point Observatory supports telescopes, the Rudolph Planetarium, the Ritchie Workshop, and an office and meeting space in the Gardiner Library.
Virtual Fly Over
Check out this awesome virtual flyover by Craig Hagstrom of the Bainbridge Amateur Radio Club.
A CGI depiction of the Naval antenna farm on Bainbridge Island in WWII, superimposed on the current park on that site. This video demonstrates the concept: movements are jagged in some cases, and lighting is not optimal.