Lake Afton Public Observatory, in conjunction with the Kansas Astronomical Observers (KAO), invites anyone who would like some pointers on how to use their own telescope to attend one or more Bring Your Own Telescope night programs at LAPO.
Interested people should bring their telescope to the observing pad behind (north of) the observatory building, where members of KAO will provide assistance. KAO members also will have a number of telescopes available to look through.
Anyone considering buying a telescope might want to come out to get more information about the different types of telescopes available, along with their advantages and disadvantages. There is no charge for the telescope consultation with members of the KAO. However, regular admission charges will apply to anyone who plans to attend the observatory’s regularly scheduled program "Craters and Clouds" and the many exhibits.
The KAO and LAPO will host Bring Your Own Telescope gatherings at 9 p.m. on the third Friday of each month, May through August (May 21, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20).
Opening Times and Admission
Lake Afton Public Observatory is open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings. From May through August, the regular programs run from 9-11 pm. The regular admission prices are $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
LAPO also has a special family admission where two adults and their immediate minor children or grandchildren get in for just $12. Current program information is available from the LAPO information line at WSU-STAR (978-7827) or at http://webs.wichita.edu/lapo.
Location
The observatory is located about 20 miles southwest of downtown Wichita on MacArthur Road at 247th Street West in Lake Afton County Park. It is immediately north of the lake, just off MacArthur Road. Lake Afton can be reached by any of the following routes: west from Wichita on U.S. 54 to the Lake Afton sign at Viola Road three miles past Goddard, then three miles south and one mile east; or southwest on K-42, 7 miles to Schulte and nine miles west on MacArthur.
Lake Afton Public Observatory is operated by the Fairmount Center for Science and Mathematics Education, part of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Science at Wichita State University.
