The Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1992. The BPAA’s Battle Point Observatory formerly housed the 27-inch Ritchie Telescope built by its founders, and now hosts a state-of-the-art, professionally manufactured 14" PlaneWave CDK telescope funded by the wonderful generosity of our donors and installed by our team of dedicated volunteers in 2025.

Battle Point 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 the Observatory supports telescopes, the Rudolph Planetarium, the Ritchie Workshop, and an office and meeting space in the Gardiner Library.

Cosmic Conversations

By Battle Point Astronomical Association

Cosmic Conversations

Black Holes