Free Public and Group Observing
Public stargazing for everyone is offered every clear Saturday night from April to November starting one hour after sunset
and continuing for two hours. To determine when the sun will set and whether it will be clear, check out the clear sky clock.
The observing location is located at the Jefferson Township Park, which is just North of Dawkins Road (old 14) on S. Webster Road.
This location is the future site of a modern new unique observatory featuring the Society’s Richard Johnston 16 inch telescope.
The observatory is currently in final fund raising stage, so stay connected on the progress and of our grand opening.
On these clear Saturday viewing nights, Astronomy members are available to answer your questions. You may
also bring your own telescope to the site and receive help to use it more effectively.
Group Programs
The Fort Wayne Astronomical Society is dedicated to public education in Astronomy. Club members volunteer their time, talents, and
equipment in community service to share the heavens with school children, scout groups, church groups, and the general public at prearranged observing
sessions and lectures. In order to help us continue this service to the community and make the learning experience more enjoyable for everyone, we use
the following guidelines regarding the scheduling of these programs.
Jefferson Township Park:
The Society can give approximately 1-1/2 hour observing sessions or lectures at Jefferson Township Park
observing location for groups of 10 or more, given 2 weeks notice. Groups of less than 10 may simply come out to the Park on any clear Saturday
night, April through November, without notice.
Traveling programs:
The Society can also provide a 1 hour observing session or lecture within a radius of 30 miles from Fort Wayne, given 4 weeks
notice. We reserve Saturday nights for activities at our Jefferson Township Park location.
Fees:
For an observing session there is a $1 charge per person 8 years and older. Children 7 and under are free. Indoor lectures are free,
although donations are welcome. Any fees or contributions are strictly used to maintain our equipment, telescope and future observatory since club members
donate their services.
Age:
The minimum age we recommend for the group itself is 8, or students in the 3rd grade, although younger siblings, friends, and family members
may accompany them.
Conduct:
Due to the somewhat fragile nature of the telescopes we ask that children not be allowed to run around them,
or handle the equipment unless instructed. To ensure adequate supervision we request no fewer than 1 adult for every 6 children that attend.
Scheduling:
is made on a first-come-first-served basis. To schedule a program for your group you may contact the
Observatory Director, Chris Highlen at 744-4623 or
HighlenC@aol.com.
