History

The Snow King Observatory was conceived in 2014 by astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer. Dr. Singer met Jakub Galczynski at a Silicon Couloir meeting in Jackson, WY. Sharing a mutual fascination for nature observation and environmental initiative, the two collaborated on an astronomy observatory design that was presented to local investors.

Max C Chapman Jr, CEO of Snow King Mountain Resort, approached Dr. Singer to integrate the observatory into the resort’s future Master Plan. Chapman’s personal interest and program decisions resulted in the direct success of Snow King Observatory.

The 2015 Observatory design was roughly 1,000 square feet. After the Town of Jackson approved Snow King’s Master Plan in 2021, the building expanded to include a stargazing rooftop and planetarium. The items where proposed by Dr. Singer to promote day time visitation and address cloudy skies. Galczynski had relocated to Ketchum, ID to work with Farmer Payne Architects. He transitioned to an independent role to lead the project development in continued research, design, and construction documents.

After nearly a century of efforts, Snow King Observatory and Planetarium opened on June 1, 2024. The grand opening featured a keynote address by renowned science communicator Bill Nye, “The Science Guy.”

Image Left : May 31, 2024 – Astronomer Samuel Singer, Jakub Galczynski, and Owner Max Chapman

Image Below : 2015 initial Snow King Observatory Design for Snow King Mountain.