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
Volcanoes in our Solar System
May 4-5, 25-26 (9:00 to 11:00 p.m.)
Stars and Mars
May 11-12, 18-19 (9:00 to 11:00 p.m.)
Sizing Up Saturn
June 1-2 22-23, 29-30 (9:00 to 11:00 p.m.)
Messier Album
June 8-9, 15-16 (9:00 to 11:00 p.m.)

Next Photography Programs:
Saturn -
Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 p.m.
Gibbous Moon - Saturday, June 30 at 11:00 p.m.

Events and Happenings
at the Observatory
Observatory Flyers
2012 Public Program Flyer
(in pdf format)
2011-12 School Program Flyer
(in pdf format)