Lake Afton Public Observatory
A part of
The Fairmount Center for
Science and Mathematics Education

at
Wichita State University

Young and old alike can share the excitement of the night sky at the Lake Afton Public Observatory. Through the Observatory’s 16-inch telescope you can view such wonders as the giant planet Saturn and its rings, the Moon with its craters and mountains, glowing clouds of gas, star clusters with thousands of stars, and distant galaxies many times bigger than our own Milky Way. After touring the universe, you can explore the Observatory's museum area with its interactive astronomy exhibits.  The Observatory is located about 20 miles west, southwest of downtown Wichita, Kansas.  On these Web pages you will find descriptions and schedules for our public programs, selected astronomical images, and a whole lot more.  When visiting Wichita, make sure you put this unique attraction on your list of things to do.
Current Observatory Programs
Reflections of the Moon
September 17-18, 24-25 (8:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
 
Hubble's Universe
September 3-4, 10-11 (8:00 to 10:00 p.m.)
 
The Moon and Gas Giants
October 15-16, 22-23 (7:30 to 10:00 p.m.)
 
How Far Is Far?
October 1-2, 8-9, 29-30 (7:30 to 10:00 p.m.)
 
Next Photography Programs:
Jupiter -
Saturday, September 18 at 10:00 p.m.
Jupiter - Saturday, October 16 at 10:00 p.m.


Events and Happenings
at the Observatory
Upcoming Special Events at the Observatory
Grandparents Day Weekend
Friday & Sataturday, September 10-11 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Sataturday, September 25 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Observatory Flyers
2010 Public Program Flyer
(in pdf format)
  2010-11 School Program Flyer
(in pdf format)
Other Events
Information on the 10th annual Galaxy  Forum
sponsored by the Ad Astra Kansas Initiative
August 28, 2010 at the Kansas Cosmosphere