In 1988–89, the Emanuel Papaelia Observatory (opened Nov'89) was built containing a 1963 vintage 12" Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain reflecting telescope belonging to the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA), and originally housed at Marryatville High School.

This was purchased with a grant from the Education Minister (Jay Weatherill), topped up with fund-raising money from the STAR Group.

The observatory also houses a portable 10" Dobsonian, a 90mm computerised SkyWatcher refractor and two Coronado solar telescopes.

In 2011, a Yr 12 Student used the original 10" LX200 and a 8bit DMK camera to detect the transit of an Exo-planet as his SACE Research Project.

Members of STAR Group demonstrate real time imaging on their Research Grade OGS telescope, and show the Public through the 14" LX200 in the Dome and the portable scopes.