Powell Observatory

Powell Observatory sits in Lewis-Young Park just north of Louisburg, Kansas, where the Astronomical Society of Kansas City has hosted stargazers since the mid-1980s.

About Powell Observatory

Owned and operated by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC), Powell Observatory houses several telescopes for public viewing, member use, and ongoing research, along with a small conference and lecture room and a visitor center.

History

ASKC members built the observatory in 1984, and it opened and was formally dedicated on May 11, 1985. It has run ever since on ASKC membership dues along with private and public donations.

Telescopes & research

The main instrument is a Ruisinger Newtonian reflector with a 30-inch (76 cm) mirror, housed under a dome - one of the largest telescopes in the United States regularly opened to the public for viewing. A 16-inch telescope is dedicated to public programs, while a computer-controlled 12-inch telescope supports ongoing member research projects.

Location & getting there

The observatory is located in Miami County, Kansas, within Lewis-Young Park just north of the small town of Louisburg, south of the Kansas City metro area.

Visiting Powell Observatory

Powell Observatory runs regular public programs every weekend from May through October, opening its telescopes for public viewing of the night sky. Check the ASKC's website for the current schedule before visiting.

See your named star from here

With three telescopes and a team used to guiding public viewing nights, Powell Observatory is a fitting place to look for a star named through Star Register - bring its coordinates along on a public night. Name a star or browse the catalogue for coordinates worth aiming at.