top of page
Public Events
Public Open Houses: Open Houses are free, public sessions for stargazing with telescopes that are usually, but not always, held at the West Lafayette Observatory (WLO) or Prairie Grass Observatory (PGO). The events normally include an astronomy-related presentation and constellation finding. In addition to observatory telescopes being made available, club members also share their telescopes with the public to look at various celestial objects of interest. Visitors may come and go as they please. The stargazing portion of the event is cancelled if the weather is mostly cloudy, raining, or very windy.
Public Event Schedule:
Date | Location | Event Description |
|---|---|---|
Aug. 14, 2021 | Shades State Park, Waveland, IN | Shades State Park Astronomy Day |
Nov. 4, 2023 | West Lafayette Observatory | Our annual free pre-holiday Telescope Fair is for anyone considering acquiring an astronomical telescope for themselves or as a gift. Various types of telescopes are discussed, followed by hands-on observing (weather permitting) with multiple telescopes of different design and sizes. |
Mar 20, 2024 | Lilly Nature Center at Celery Bog in West Lafayette | Wednesdays in the Wild: This encore presentation at the Lilly Nature Center will discuss the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, visible in Indiana. We will cover why eclipses occur and go over specifics about this eclipse, including the best places to observe it, and viewing safety. Solar eclipse glasses will be available for $2 per pair. If weather permits, we'll observe the Sun with filtered astronomical telescopes following the indoor presentation. NOTE: Venue capacity has been reached for this event. |
Mar 23, 2024 | Tippecanoe County Library - Wea Prairie Branch | This presentation at the TCPL Wea Prairie Branch will discuss the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, visible in Indiana. We will cover why eclipses occur and go over specifics about this eclipse, including the best places to observe it, and viewing safety. Solar eclipse glasses will be available for $2 per pair. If weather permits, we'll observe the Sun with filtered astronomical telescopes following the indoor presentation. |
April 13, 2024 | West Lafayette Observatory | Free public stargazing with astronomical telescopes will take place, weather permitting, from 8:30-10 p.m. The Moon will be in an ideal phase for observing. |
May 4, 2024 | West Lafayette Observatory | Free public stargazing with astronomical telescopes will take place, weather permitting, from 9-10:30 p.m. Since the event date is May 4th, the presentation will be "The Science of Star Wars: An Astronomy Perspective". The presentation will be given, even if the sky is mostly cloudy. |
June 1, 2024 | West Lafayette Observatory | Public solar observing with specially filtered astronomical telescopes will take place, weather permitting, from 1-3 p.m. This is a free event. |
June 8, 20204 | Tippecanoe County Amphitheater | Outdoor Explore! This Tippecanoe County Parks and Recreation event showcases summer outdoor activities, including astronomy. WVAS will have a booth describing our activities and to display and demonstrate use of astronomical telescopes. |
July 30, 2024 | Camp Cullom | Indiana Family Star Party. See https://indianastars.com/starparty/ |
Sept. 7, 2024 | West Lafayette Observatory | Free public stargazing with astronomical telescopes will take place at the West Lafayette Observatory, weather permitting, from 8:30-10 p.m. A space or astronomy-related presentation will be given, even if the sky is mostly cloudy. |
Oct. 5, 2024 | West Lafayette Observatory | Free public stargazing with astronomical telescopes will take place at the West Lafayette Observatory, weather permitting, from 8:30-10 p.m. A space or astronomy-related presentation will be given, even if the sky is mostly cloudy. |
bottom of page