Central Missouri residents are invited to take in the many wonders of the night sky at any of several guided sessions on Thursday evenings at Central Methodist University’s historic Morrison Observatory.
All sessions are free and open to the general public from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: April 5, 12, 19, 26, and May 3.
Central Methodist University Professor Dr. Kendal Clark, along with members of the Central Missouri Astronomical Association and CMU students, will conduct the viewing sessions, provide tours, and comment on historical highlights of the facility.
Hands-on science activities also will be provided in the Observatory classroom. Visitors will be able to use the telescopes for viewing, weather permitting.
Venus will be visible in the early evening sky. The moon will be visible in the evening sky on April 19 and April 26. Visitors will also be able to view selected star clusters, double stars, nebula, and galaxies.
The observatory is located at 504 Park Road in northwestern Fayette (65248), across from Fayette City Park and the swimming pool.
Directions: Exit west on Besgrove Street from the intersection of Highways 5 and 240 and go approximately two blocks to Park Road and turn left; the observatory is on the right a short distance from the turn.
For additional information about the observatory, viewing sessions, or directions, contact Dr. Kendal Clark, director of the observatory, by e-mail at kwclark@centralmethodist.edu or call 660-248-6383.
The Morrison Observatory features a 12 ¼ -inch Clark refractor and a 10-inch reflecting telescope. The observatory was originally located in Glasgow. It was acquired by Central Methodist in 1927, and moved to its current location in 1935.