A brief introduction to BAO Bisei Astronomical Observatory (BAO), one of several distinguished observatories in Japan, was opened in 1993. The government of Bisei-town intended it to serve as an educational and research facility for public use. Over the years BAO's role in the community has expanded, so that in addition to supporting amateur astronomers and popularizing astronomy, it has also produced professional scientific studies and promoted local efforts to reduce light pollution. BAO is open to the public: Daytime: 9:30 - 16:00 Night time: 18:00 - 22:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday   Address for contact:   Mailing address: 1723-70 Ookura, Bisei-cho, Ibara, Okayama 714-1411 Tel: 0866-87-4222 Fax: 0866-87-4224 e-mail: info@bao.go.jp   Copyright(C) Bisei Astronomical Observatory 2003 All Rights Reserved.