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
Moons, Rings and Other Things
May 17-18 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
June 14-15, 21-22 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
Black Holes in Space
May 3-4, 10-11, 24-25, 31 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
June 1, 7-8, 28-29 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)

Next Photography Programs:
Saturn -
Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 p.m.
Gibbous Moon - Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 p.m.

Events and Happenings
at the Observatory
Upcoming Special Events at the Observatory
Fathers Day Weekend
Friday-Saturday, June 14-15 from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Bring Your Own Telescope
Friday, June 21 from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Astronomy Photographs
2012 Solar Eclipse
Taken on May 20, 2012 by Jim Fullerton
2012 Venus Transit
Taken on June 5, 2012 by Jim Fullerton
Observatory Flyers
2012 Public Program Flyer
(in pdf format)

2013 Public Program Flyer
(in pdf format)
2012-13 School Program Flyer
(in pdf format)