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Welcome to the Astronomical Society of Kansas City

The purpose of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC) is to provide a
community to support education and outreach to the Greater Kansas City area,
observing events and research opportunities for members and guests, and
resources for all interested in astronomy and allied sciences.

Since the 1920s, the ASKC has grown from a small group to one of the largest
astronomical societies in the country, with well over 500 members. Although
there are a few professional astronomers among us, most members are
amateur astronomers from widely diverse backgrounds with a unifying
interest in observing and discovering more about our universe.

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Let ASKC show you the stars

The Astronomical Society of Kansas City hosts many public and private
educational and observing events throughout the year. Find out about
the latest ASKC news, events and merchandise, as well as what's in
the sky this month.

Upcoming Events

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Become an ASKC Member

Members enjoy many benefits, such as extended access to one of the
largest telescopes in the Midwest, a private dark sky site for
observing and camping, loaner telescopes, members-only stargazing
events and more. Becoming a member is a great way to build or
expand your knowledge of astronomy and connect with a group of
fellow astronomy lovers.

Join Now

2019 Public Schedule
 

Announcement:

Due to the measures and guidelines set forth by local, state and federal government agencies, we are temporarily suspending all ASKC meetings, offsite events and events at Powell Observatory.
Read More

 

 

ASKC Facebook Live Streaming of Powell Observatory’s Public Astronomy Programs – Starting Saturday, May 9th, 7:00 PM

Due to the Covid 19 situation, the ASKC has suspended the Saturday public nights at Powell Observatory.  In it’s place the Powell Observatory Public Night Teams will be presenting programs on various astronomy topics by live streaming them on our ASKC Facbook page.  The programs will last approximately 30 minutes and will allow viewers to post questions and hear answers via Facebook at the end of the presentation.  With the exception of this weekend, the programs are scheduled for the first and third Saturday of every month from May through October. 

The public is also invited to view our general meeting presentations on Facebook starting at 7:00 PM on the fourth Saturday of every month.

Program Schedule for May 2020

Saturday, May 9th - Exploring Tonight’s Sky – an introduction to objects that are visible in the night sky to the naked eye, binoculars and small telescopes and tools to help find them.

Saturday, May 16th – Galaxies – an introduction and tour of neighboring galaxies.

Saturday, May 25th – ASKC General Meeting with Guest Speaker Michael Backich:  “Highlights in the Next Quarter Century of Solar Eclipses”

Stay tuned for June’s schedule!

 

Powell Observatory is owned and operated by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City and staffed by volunteer ASKC members.

Credit: Bruce Hollensbe

Public Nights

The observatory is open to the public Saturday nights, May through October and for special astronomical events.  Public programs include an educational presentation on an interesting astronomy topic, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes (weather permitting). See schedule for hours and details.

 

Requested Donation:  12 & Over: $8  |  5-11: $5  |  Under 5: Free

Because the observatory is staffed by volunteers, we request a donation upon entry to help maintain and operate the observatory.

 

Private Events

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 913.438.3825.  A reservation fee of $100 + $5 per person is required to reserve the observatory for private events.  

 

About the Observatory

Built in 1984 by society members, the observatory is located about 25 miles South of Kansas City in Lewis-Young Park, just North of Louisburg, KS.  At this location, skies are much darker than in the city.  The observatory has one of the largest telescopes open to the public in a five-state area - the Ruisinger Telescope, a Newtonian reflector with a 30" diameter mirror.  In addition, the observatory has other telescopes available for public viewing.

 

Etiquette

No white lights (headlights, flashlights, mobile phones, etc.) are allowed at the observatory.  Red flashlights are allowed.  Please dim your headlights when approaching and leaving the observatory.  


26500 Melrose Street
Louisburg, KS 66053
 


About ASKC

An amateur non-profit educational organization.

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