Astronomy:Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory

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Short description: Library and Observatory in Rancho Mirage, California


Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory
Former namesRancho Mirage Public Library
General information
Coordinates [ ⚑ ] : 33°44′54″N 116°25′16″W / 33.74833°N 116.42111°W / 33.74833; -116.42111
InauguratedJanuary 8, 2006 (2006-01-08)
Website
RanchoMirageLibrary.org

Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory is a public library and science education complex in Rancho Mirage, California. It has been called a "cultural oasis" in the Coachella Valley.[1]

History

The Rancho Mirage Library was dedicated in 2006.[2] The Observatory was opened on March 25, 2018,[3] and recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary. The Observatory has an in-house City Astronomer, regular viewing parties and daytime observatory tours.[4]

The Observatory is currently led by City Astronomer Eric McLaughlin and Observatory Program Coordinator Lauren Zuckerberg.[5]

In popular culture

The library also hosts the popular[6] Rancho Mirage Writers Festival every year.[7] The RMWF has featured dozens of major authors like Dave Barry, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Fran Lebowitz, James Patterson, George Saunders, Zadie Smith, Jerry Brown, Sally Field, Tom Hanks and Mike Reiss.[8]

The Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory was featured as a stargazing date location in the 18th season of The Bachelorette.[9][10]

References

  1. "Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory a great desert community boon". https://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/2019/03/05/rancho-mirage-library-and-observatory-great-desert-community-boon-desert-sun-letters/3072854002/. 
  2. "The City of Rancho Mirage Public Library - 2006 - Rancho Mirage, CA - Dated Architectural Structures Multifarious on Waymarking.com". https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMWMNG_The_City_of_Rancho_Mirage_Public_Library_2006_Rancho_Mirage_CA. 
  3. "Observatory – Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory". https://www.ranchomiragelibrary.org/observatory/. 
  4. Grant, Anthony (June 6, 2018). "Rancho Mirage Observatory Brings Starry, Starry Nights to the Desert". https://www.palmspringslife.com/rancho-mirage-observatory/. 
  5. https://www.ranchomiragelibrary.org/explore/meet-our-staff/
  6. "Rancho Mirage Writers Festival transforms local library into literary powerhouse". February 2, 2023. https://kesq.com/news/2023/02/02/rancho-mirage-writers-festival-transforms-local-library-into-literary-powerhouse/. 
  7. "FAQs". https://www.rmwritersfest.org/faqs/. 
  8. "Past Festival Writers" (in en). https://www.rmwritersfest.org/past-festival-writers/. 
  9. "How to recreate the local dates from this season of 'The Bachelorette'". https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2021/11/13/the-bachelorette-how-recreate-palm-springs-area-dates-season/8588115002/. 
  10. "Popular reality show reportedly filming in the Coachella Valley". July 9, 2020. https://nbcpalmsprings.com/2020/07/08/popular-reality-show-reportedly-filming-in-the-coachella-valley/.