Network of Partners
The Sierra Stars Observatory Network (SSON) is a partnership comprised of an integrated network of professional observatories
around the world.
Our partners are independent professional
observatories operated locally by technicians and professional
astronomers. The observatories’ were designed and established
for remote operation for education and/or research programs
by universities and other organizations. They provide time for
use by SSON users while also fulfilling the goals of their local
primary mission. This unique business arrangement enables many
more people around the world to have access to professional
observatory instruments at excellent dark-sky sites around the
world.
The Sierra Stars Observatory in California was the first operational
site in SSON and has been operating and
supplying data for customers worldwide since 2007.
Since then more observatory partners
have joined SSON as we expand our global network.
Commitment to Quality of Data and Customer Service
Ultimately SSON is all about delivering the highest quality of astornomical imaging data to our customers. We take our mission
very seriously and our users appreciate the level of service we provide to them. To read about our product, services and
what our users have to say about their experience with SSON go to our Product and Services
section of our web site.
For an overview of what we are, what we do and who uses SSON Click onthe link below to view an introductory video:
About SSON Video.
People at SSON
Rich Williams
|
 |
Rich has a lifelong passion for doing astronomy. In 1996 he worked
with the people at Torus Precision Optics to develop an automated/robotic telescope
system while working for Microsoft. His telescope and the Torus Observatory became
the prototype for the company's advanced telescope technology.
In 1997 Rich left Microsoft to form Torus Technologies with James and Tony Mulherin from Torus
Precision Optics. As the Vice President of Marketing and Product Development Rich
worked with astronomers around the world on various projects and contributed photometry
and astrometry data when needed from his observatory in Buckley, WA.
He has presented papers on telescope technology at professional astronomy conferences
and meetings around the world.
|
In 2002 Torus Technologies was restructured to Optical Mechanics,
Inc. Rich is a partner in OMI but no longer works in the day to day operation of
the company. He moved to Markleeville, CA in 2001 and built the Sierra Stars Observatory.
Rich is an avid trout fisherman seeking out the best trophy trout
streams and rivers on the east side of the Sierras every chance he gets. The Sierra
Stars Observatory is located on the West Fork of the Carson River so he doesn't have to go far to fish.
|
Steve Ohmert
Steve Ohmert has enjoyed a long and eclectic career in software development,
including working with Rich Williams and others at Torus Technologies/OMI to
extend and improve the Talon software
used by the telescopes of the SSON. Steve works with SSON to help develop
the future of astronomical research telescope networks.
Kathleen Fox-Williams
Kathleen is a professional web developer and programmer. She does all the enterprise web and database development for SSON.
Contact Information
Email:
- Rich Williams: richw@sierrastars.com
- Customer Service: ContactUs@sierrastars.com
Phone: 775-781-5700
Skype: sierrastars