Events and Happenings
at the
Lake Afton Public Observatory
For more information about the Lake Afton Public Observatory, follow this link , call Observatory office at (316) 978-3191, or e-mail us at observatory@wichita.edu Our (316) WSU-STAR [978-7827] line contains information on public programs and what's visible in the night sky.


Public Programs at the Observatory: The Observatory is open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings.  The schedule of programs is below or click here to view our 2011 brochure (Adobe Acrobat format). Programs for School Groups can be reserved for Tuesday and Thursday evenings and selected Wednesdays during the day.  Call (316) 978-3191 during normal business hours for reservations or more information.

Admission (2012):
  • $5.00 for adults
  • $3.00 for ages 6 - 12
  • Under six admitted free
  • Family Rate: Mom, Dad and their immediate children - $15.00
  • Please note that we are unable to accept credit or debit cards

    February, 2012
    Public Programs: Special Events: Photography Program:
    Women in Astronomy
    - Feb 10-11, 17-18 (7:30-10:00 p.m.)
    From the Moon to the Stars
    - Feb 3-4, 24-25 (7:30-10:00 p.m.)
      Mars
    - Saturday, Feb 25 at 10:00 p.m.


    March, 2012
    Public Programs: Special Events: Photography Program:
    Stars and Mars
    - Mar 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
    Volcanos in our Solar System
    - Mar 2-3, 30-31 (8:00-10:00 p.m.)
      Mars
    - Saturday, Mar 3 at 10:00 p.m.

    April, 2012
    Public Programs: Special Events: Photography Program:
    Stars and Mars
    - Apr 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 (8:30-10:30 p.m.)
    Volcanos in our Solar System
    - Apr 27-28 (8:30-10:30 p.m.)
      First Quarter Moon
    - Saturday, April 28 at 10:30 p.m.

    May, 2012
    Public Programs: Special Events: Photography Program:
    Stars and Mars
    - May 11-12, 18-19 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
    Volcanos in our Solar System
    - May 4-5, 25-26 (9:00-11:00 p.m.)
    Mothers Day Weekend
    - Friday-Saturday, May 11-12 (9:00 to 11:00 p.m.)
    Saturn
    - Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 p.m.

    The Observatory is located 20 miles southwest of downtown Wichita at MacArthur Road (39th Street South) and 247th Street West in Lake Afton County Park. It is immediately north of the lake, just off MacArthur Road. 

    For a map, click here. Current program information is available in a recorded message by calling 316-WSU-STAR (978-7827).

    Lake Afton Public Observatory:
    Observatory Home Page
    Observatory Events Page
    About the Observatory
    Observatory Exhibits
    Observatory Gift Shop
    Skylights (Our quarterly newsletter)
    School Programs
    Resources for teachers
    Life Story of a Star (WWW Tour)
    Exploring the Milky Way (WWW Tour)

    Note: An Observatory program will automatically be cancelled if there is a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning anywhere in Sedgwick County during the hour prior to the start of a program. Programs also will be cancelled if travel conditions are hazardous. If possible, the recorded program information at (316) WSU-STAR [978-7827] will be changed to reflect any program cancellations.