The 30" Kirkpatrick Telescope is the largest public-access telescope in the state of Oklahoma. Housed in the Steve Arthurton Dome at Cheddar Ranch Observatory, it was commissioned by the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club in 2016, fabricated by two of the most respected names in custom telescope manufacturing, and dedicated on June 16, 2018. It is named in honor of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, whose grant helped make it possible.
The Arthurton Dome is a 15-foot motorized Pro-Dome obtained from the Three Rivers Foundation for the Arts & Sciences (3RF) of Crowell, Texas by Steve Arthurton († February 9, 2019), owner of Steve's ProShop and Telescope in Midwest City — one of Oklahoma City's most beloved astronomy dealers and a cornerstone of OKCAC for decades.
In late 2013, Steve arranged for the dome to come to CRO for OKCAC's use. A concrete pad was poured by club volunteers in February 2015, and on March 14–15, 2015, the dome was erected by Steve Arthurton and a volunteer crew of club members including Mike Dennis and the Haldane family. Steve established the dome at CRO as his personal observatory, always welcoming club members in on observing nights to share views through his personal 17.5" Dobsonian telescope.
In April 2017, as the 30" Kirkpatrick Telescope project moved forward, Steve formally donated both the dome and his 17.5" Dobsonian to OKCAC so the dome could serve as the permanent home of the club's new flagship instrument. The dome was named the Steve Arthurton Dome in his honor.
Steve received the OKCAC E.K. Owen Award in November 2018, recognized as “the driving force in obtaining and installing a dome at CRO.” He passed away on February 9, 2019 — just months after the dedication of the telescope he made possible. Services were held at Ford's Funeral Home in Midwest City on February 14, 2019.
The dome is part of CRO proper — a club-owned and club-operated facility.
Kerr Foundation — $2,500
Combined grant funding: $27,500
| Optics — Lockwood Custom Optics (Invoice #0357SS, Dec 22, 2017) | |
| · 30" f/3.0 parabolic primary mirror | $20,100 |
| · 7.0" flat secondary mirror | $1,800 |
| OTA & Structure — Starstructure Telescopes (Invoices #30810/#30819) | |
| · Horizon 30" f/3.0 Type 3, fully loaded | $15,150 |
| · Options (Power Ground Board, Winch, Wiring, secondary holder, etc.) | $2,030 |
| · Crating | $950 |
| · Shipping + mirror cell crossbar modification | $1,383 |
| · Feather Touch focuser, dome modifications (estimated) | ~$10,000 |
| Total project cost | ~$51,400 |
Jackson Mechanical Service — large additional donation
Astronomy book sale — ~$500 raised at campaign launch
Steve Arthurton — donated the Arthurton Dome and his personal Dobsonian telescope