In 1930, a Pittsburgh plumber built a tiny aluminium observatory in his backyard for a homemade telescope; its unusual dome became a prototype for observatory designs and later helped bring him face to face with Einstein

Established in 1930 by Leo Scanlon, the Valley View Observatory in Pittsburgh quickly gained traction among amateur astronomers, primarily due to its cost-effective construction and unique aluminium dome. Scanlon's fresh approach drew attention from enthusiasts nationwide, leading to a memorable encounter with Albert Einstein in 1934, who appreciated the spirit of amateur science. To honor its significant role in astronomy, asteroid 8131 was named 'Scanlon', recognizing the observatory's legacy.