About
Vision
Igniting passion for science through the lens of astronomy.
Mission
To provide opportunities for curious children, students, and adults to observe, discover, and share the wonders of the Universe. Supported by shared expertise and the largest publicly accessible telescope in the Pacific Northwest, our members and the wider community engage in hands-on experiences of astronomy, space exploration, and the technologies that make it possible.
History
The Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA) is a non-profit corporation founded in 1992. The BPAA’s Edwin E. Ritchie Observatory was home to the 27-inch Ritchie Telescope, the largest telescope accessible to the public in the Pacific Northwest, until 2024 when it was removed in preparation for new, more capable telescopes. The Ritchie Observatory was constructed from the shell of the Helix Building, 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, that demolition never took place; instead, through private volunteer community efforts an Observatory was created. The basic construction was completed in 1997 and supports telescopes, the John H. Rudolph Planetarium, workshop, library, and meeting room.
Virtual Fly Over
Check out this awesome virtual flyover by Craig Hagstrom of the Bainbridge Amateur Radio Club.