Mahoning Valley Cortese Observatory
1076 State Rte 534 NW
Newton Falls, OH 44444-9514
Harry Harker: (330) 482-6005
Email: info@mvobservatory.com

The Mahoning Valley Cortese Observatory (MVCO) is operated by the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society and serves the needs of Amateur Astronomers in Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, and Columbiana counties. The MVAS was founded in October of 1939 by 16 dedicated amateur astronomers. By 1949 the club had built a telescope that used a 16-inch diameter paraboloid mirror as its primary optic. At the time, it was one of the largest amateur telescopes in the state; that telescope was installed at the site of the current observatory in Braceville, Ohio. A dedication ceremony was held in September of that year.

NOTE: The observatory is situated on private property that does not belong to the Mahoning Valley group. Please visit only when club hosts are present!

If visiting for a public, or convention event: The MVCO is located on State Rt. 534 about 8/10 of a mile north of the Rt. 534 / Rt. 82 intersection. Look for a sign along the road that marks the gravel drive way entrance to the MVCO. As you travel down the slope you’ll see the MV to your right. Remember: turn your headlights off before you turn onto the observatory grounds!