Prairie Grass Observatory, one of the largest astronomical observatories in the State, will hold its first Starry Night Open House of the summer Friday June 3 starting at dusk. A crescent moon with close-up views of craters, lunar mountains and lunar “seas” or maria will be the center of attention at first. As the crescent moon sets in the west, the weather forecast promises clear skies and excellent conditions to see the milky way and a treasure trove of starry objects until the observatory closes at approximately 11 pm. You will be able to see craters on the moon, star clusters, meteorites, double stars, constellations and much more. Some objects visible through the powerful telescopes will be over 20 million light years distant.
Several volunteers from Camp Cullom and the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society will be on hand to guide your night under the stars. The evening is free, made possible by Camp Cullom and the United Way for Clinton County, a 501 C-3 corporation owned by the Children of Clinton County. The observatory is protected by a lighting ordinance established throughout Clinton County to minimize light pollution and preserve the dark skies.
The moonlit and star-studded skies Friday night will likely attract people of all ages from miles around. Those attending are asked to park east of the Nature Center to shield car lights from the observatory grounds. This simply means turn left when entering the Camp Cullom entrance lane and follow the sign to the Nature Center. Just park near the Nature Center or playground.
Volunteers are not paid with money, but “Wow’s”. Volunteers enjoy answering your questions and sharing the beauty and wonder of the heavens. Volunteers will answer your questions about the stars, planets, moon, best telescopes to buy, how to read star atlases, astrophotography and more.
There will be astronomy videos playing throughout the evening in the Galileo Gallery, a meteorite collection on display, several scopes to look through, giant 100mm binoculars and more.
Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory is located at 6815 Co Rd 200 N, Frankfort, Indiana 46041.
For pictures of prior Open Houses by Erick Dircks, CLICK HERE
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One of the Telescopes at Prarie Grass Observatory is the fourth largest telescope in the State of Indiana, the 28 inch Sky Master computerized scope capable of viewing extreamly faint images hundreds of trillions of miles away.
For more information about Prairie Grass Observatory, go to www.indianastars.com.
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