Powell Observatory — Attraction in Louisburg

The Astronomical Society of Kansas hosts public sessions from now until August, specifically on a Saturday evening between 7:30pm and 11pm. There is no charge. However, you are encouraged to leave an entrance donation, as the staff members who volunteer their services for these events.

It was a fantastic experience, especially since Alan, a fellow member, allowed me to get up close and personal with the main large telescope. Although a bit on the older side with some modern modifications, the imaging is still pretty good.

You would bring a lawn chair, your telescope ( I took mine as you'd meet others and can share information), and bug spray and some good company! The staff are awesome and spray the grounds before the event, but rather be safe than bitten like a rabid animal, like me 😆

The night consists of a talk given by one of the society members. Each until August, there will be a new topic. I visited when comets were being discussed. They are offering glasses, meteorites, and other items, like calendars and caps, to raise funds for the move. They need to move the telescope, as it's opposite a football ground and activities are deterred when there is a game, as you can imagine the field is well lit. Hopefully, they can move soon. Take the entire family, it makes for a different kind of date, or even if you're alone, you'd meet some...

My partner and I went on a Saturday evening in May with our picnic blanket and small cooler of snacks and drinks. I think the recommended donation per adult was $10. I wasn't sure what to expect since the details about the presentation on their website are vague. I was blown away by the experience we had. The presentation we saw was both educational and engaging. The live images from the Ruisinger were phenomenal. After the presentation we visited with the ASKC members who were all very friendly and showed us what their personal equipment could observe. I left with excitement for a hobby that I thought I left in my childhood.

What I would change: I know that adults are not the majority audience at this event but I found it really interesting to watch the observatory volunteers adjust the imaging software. A night targeted at adults is something I would attend. The brightness of the projector was a bit much towards the end of the presentation. Either adjusting the brightness part way through or switching to a rear projection screen...

GREAT for kids! (and EVERYONE!) Built, staffed, and maintained fully by volunteers, the Powell Observatory is the largest in the five-state area. it was constructed in 1984 by hand and is a true hidden gem of the greater Kansas City area! during the summer it is open to the public on Saturdays at 8pm or 7pm depending on the time of sunset. each week is focused on different astronomical subjects including but not limited to the moon, stars, galaxies, and phenomena. the scene is typically hosted by a handful of volunteers and another of amateur astronomers who bring their large telescopes and other equipment to share the view with all. in one night, I saw the moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn thanks to these avid stargazers! visit their website for a schedule and fees (I think adults are $8, kids are $5). 100% of the fee goes to maintaining the observatory, and includes a half-hour presentation on the weekly subject. be sure to plan to stay a while in order to take in all the beauty and interesting knowledge! take the time......