The Powell Observatory is located just north of Louisburg far enough from the Kansas City metropolitan lights to provide clear observations.
Powell Observatory has the largest telescope in a five state area. The main telescope has a 30″ mirror, and is available for public viewing, club member private use, and for on-going research projects. this telescope is among the very largest telescopes in the entire country that is regularly available for public viewing of the night sky.
In addition to the 30″ scope, Powell Observatory has a 16″ telescope for public programs, and a computer-controlled 12″ telescope for research projects and member use.
Regular public programs run every Saturday night at the observatory from May through October. The StarBright Saturday Night Programs begin at dusk and include a talk on astronomy, tour of the observatory, and (if skies are clear) viewing through the various telescopes the moon, planets and stars. Often, club members also have their personal telescopes available to show you the night sky.
The observatory is also available for your own private star party. One or more experienced amateur astronomers will guide your group for an evening under the stars, looking at the moon, planets, star clusters, or perhaps a distant galaxy. The observatory is available year-round for private star parties for scout,school, civic, and church groups – and also for birthday and anniversary “parties” that no one will ever forget! In order to support the public education programs at the observatory, we ask for a reservation fee of $25, and $3 per person – or a minimum of $50 for the private evening program.
