Ocotillo Lunar Observatory
#OcotilloObservatory
Installed 2014
Built in 2014 thanks to a grassroots fundraising effort through Kickstarter and a donation of hay bales, the Ocotillo Lunar Observatory allows campers and stargazers to set up telescopes in a sheltered location, free from the lights of the windmills and highway traffic. The mosaic tile decorations were handmade by students and our Artist-in-Residence Neal Lucas Hitch and inspired by the museum's collection of painted ceramics. The phrase "Howka" means "Hello" or "Welcome" in Kumeyaay. In addition to Stargazing parties, the Observatory has hosted art projection parties, where designs are projected onto the Observatory walls.
