THE THREE RIVERS FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS AND SCIENCES (3RF)

Who is 3RF?

The Three Rivers Foundation for the Arts and Sciences (3RF™) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Crowell, Texas.  3RF works alongside educators and community leaders for the advancement of nature, art, and science education among the public and students.  

3RF is currently building a 50-acre, dark-sky campus called Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus (CSAC), a 15 mile drive west of Crowell, Texas.  It will be the location of the 15” D&G Refractor and other astronomical observatories including those for advanced imaging applications, visual observing, and amateur research.   In the works are plans for an amphitheater, a conference center, a Native American Tee-pee village, nature trails, camping and lodging.

Construction Update for Comanche Springs...

3RF is making rapid progress in the development of its 50 acre, dark sky campus west of Crowell, Texas.

Security fences and utilities have been laid, as has gravel for the main access road to the site.  A new entrance gate to the property makes the campus easier to locate.  Six RV slots have been constructed for RV campers and three large restroom/shower trailers are on-site for, well, you know...

A 8000 square foot Welcome Center (WC) has been the first priority for construction, but as of March, 2006, the WC is temporarily delayed due to escalating construction costs.  However, the 28.5' Ashdome observatory for the 15" achromatic refractor is under way, including a multi-purpose classroom extension.  The extension will allow for temporary respite for weary astronomers, not to mention allowing space for classroom-sized groups.

The construction of three other robotic, domed observatories and a larger roll-off roof observatory have begun as well.  The three domed observatories, collective coined the "Comanche Domed Center" or CDC, will consist of two 15 ft. and one 10 ft. Technical Innovations Pro-Domes housing an incredible array of equipment.  The smaller 10 ft. dome will house 3RF's current 12.5" RCOS RC and Paramount ME for astronomical CCD imaging with large format SBIG research-grade cameras.  One of the 15 ft. domes will be equipped with 3RF's 8" TMB apochromatic refractor and AP 1200 mount for both visual and imaging applications.  The remaining 15 ft. dome is being designed as a dedicated solar observatory and will house a custom-made Stellarvue SV-152 refractor with a Coronado Solar Max 140mm hydrogen-alpha filter, as well as a white-light solar scope and Coronado CaK 70mm scope, all on an AP 1200 mount. Each of the 15 ft. observatories will have the capabilties of robotic control for remote imaging, but will be also used for public observing and research.  

The large roll-off roof observatory will house several of the 3RF Obsession dobsonian scopes for public events, allowing shelter from the wind.

3RF recently took delivery of it's first 22" Sayre's Binoscope, an amazing instrument that will require it's own roll-away building observatory.  This building is being designed by Bruce Sayre's himself and construction should begin once the plans are complete.

Although construction of the Welcome Center is delayed until 2007, the completion of this first "observatories" phase will allow dark sky access for amateur astronomers and as a center for educational use.

Further plans are tentative at this time, though future phases are likely to include dormitories for group

What 3RF means for Astrronomers...

With over a quarter of a million dollars worth of astronomy equipment and a centralized, dark sky site, the Three Rivers Foundation will soon be providing astronomical observing, imaging, science and education for those who have an interest in astronomy.   

3RF has in its collection some of the largest and most advanced telescope equipment available to the amateur astronomer, from the largest, privately owned collection of Obsession Dobsonian telescopes to the amazing 25 x 150mm Fujinon binoculars.   In fact, 3RF can provide telescopic views through equipment as large as 30”!   Likewise, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the heavens through one of the largest refractors in the South, the recently acquired 15” D&G achromat (see picture above).   Other equipment includes  Tele Vue and Takahashi refractors, the 8" TMB apochromatic refractor, SBIG imaging CCDs, Coronado H-Alpha Solar filters/scopes, and several Skyrover Starchairs...and this merely scratches the surface of the equipment that 3RF currently owns.  

But because the Three Rivers Foundation wants to be available to those who can't make the drive to Comanche Springs, 3RF has made available the 3RF StarSTruck™ to deliver the show to you!  Schools, Universities, Astronomy clubs - any group that is interested in Astronomy education - can call 3RF for assistance with their programs.  These mobile "observatories" will service the entire North Texas area, and perhaps as far south as Austin.  

Click here to read the 3RF Event Blog