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Anita Ingrao of the Chico Community Observatory

Two people smile outdoors under a bright sun. A crowd is in the background.
Anita Ingrao (right) and Kris Koenig (left) at the Chico Community Observatory
A memorial plaque for Anita Ingrao (1963-2014) featuring her photo and a dedication honoring her enthusiastic love of the heavens.
Plaque for Anita Ingrao at the Observatory
Silhouetted person stargazing with telescopes at night under a starry sky, next to a building.
Chico Community Observatory
People stargazing with a telescope under a night sky lit up by a bright celestial body, possibly the moon or a planet.
Chico Community Observatory
Rural landscape with a small building, parking area, road, and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.
Chico Community Observatory
Two people smile outdoors under a bright sun. A crowd is in the background.
A memorial plaque for Anita Ingrao (1963-2014) featuring her photo and a dedication honoring her enthusiastic love of the heavens.
Silhouetted person stargazing with telescopes at night under a starry sky, next to a building.
People stargazing with a telescope under a night sky lit up by a bright celestial body, possibly the moon or a planet.
Rural landscape with a small building, parking area, road, and grassy hills under a cloudy sky.

The Chico Community Observatory is dedicated to the loving memory of Anita Ingrao (1963–2014), one of its founders and a passionate advocate for science education. Anita’s enthusiasm for the night sky inspired countless visitors, including three youth volunteers who went on to earn PhDs in astronomy and physics. Her legacy lives on through the observatory and the curiosity she instilled in others.

"Keep looking up in wonder." – Anita

Legacy Landmarks is an ongoing project, and we welcome your participation. If you have stories, photos, information, or questions to share, please contact us at 530-895-4711 or info@chicorec.gov.