KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS) is inviting the community to attend a special dedication ceremony for its new telescope in Owl Observatory, located on the grounds of the Kalamazoo Nature Center at 7000 N. Westnedge Avenue.
The dedication will take place on Saturday, August 14 at 8:00 pm.
A Public Observing Session will immediately follow the dedication, weather permitting. Admission to both activities is free to the public.
The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society will dedicate its new telescope during a special event on Saturday, August 14, 2021. (Photo courtesy Richard S. Bell).
Delayed over one year by the Coronavirus Pandemic, the new telescope will be named after Leonard James Ashby, who founded the KAS in 1936 and served as its first president.
The Ashby Telescope is the result of a four year fundraising campaign that started with the sale of Eclipse Shades ahead of the 2017 total solar eclipse.
Thanks to the generosity of KAS members, over $41,000 was raised in all.
Officials say that there only will a plaque naming the telescope in honor of Ashby, while also giving appreciation appreciation to the people that made the observatory and new telescope a reality.
Highlights of the Public Observing Session following the dedication include a nearly first quarter Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Perseid meteors.
In addition to the Ashby Telescope, members will setup their own equipment near the observatory.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescope, especially if they need help. A Telescope Clinic will be held for those having difficulty with setting up and using their instrument.
A Constellation Workshop will also be held for those that would like to learn how to identify bright stars and the major constellations.
Star maps will be provided by the KAS.
The dedication will only be canceled on account of rain. The Public Observing Session will be canceled if the sky is mostly cloudy or overcast.
For cancellation information, readers can check the official KAS website starting at 6:00 pm on August 14.
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