Ortega Observatory
When the F.W. Olin Foundation supported the building of three major facilities that comprise the Olin Quads, the presence of an Observatory was one of its crowning achievements. Additional support from Melbourne resident, James M. Ortega supported the purchase of this beautiful 0.8-meter (32-inch) telescope in 2004 assisted also by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). James’ family later established the Ortega Endowment For Astronomy And Astrophysics to help advance the program.
The Ortega Observatory now serves as the primary training and research instrument for astronomy faculty and students. Weather permitting, each month during the academic year the public are invited to view the wonders of the night sky with the Ortega telescope as part of the Public Science Lecture Series. The observatory is also home to the Florida Tech Student Astronomical Society.
Friends of the Ortega telescope are greatly appreciated. Your support helps to maintain the quality of this vital resource and our ability to engage the community in the benefits of looking to the skies as we pursue knowledge and new discoveries.