Get ready for some Stargazing in Kansas! Those who enjoy astronomy will love visiting the Observatories located throughout the state. Perhaps the best part about observatories in Kansas is that many of them are open to the public, which means you can look at the night sky through a high-powered telescope for free! 

Fall and early Winter are usually the seasons for observatories in Kansas to host their star parties, but each observatory does things a bit differently. Some have regular science classes for kids that last throughout the school year, while others stick to traditional events such as setting aside a season to host public viewings. No matter how much you enjoy learning about the cosmos, be sure to check out each observatory's schedule and website to see when the next event might be, as you certainly don't want to miss the chance to see the stars up close in Kansas!

Lake Afton Public Observatory

Back to Top of List

Lake Afton Public Observatory

Lake Afton Public Observatory

Lake Afton Public Observatory

Discover the universe through a 16-inch telescope and numerous hands-on astronomy exhibits. For changing programs and hours call 316-978-7827. MacArthur Road at 247th St. West.

Lake Afton Public Observatory Star Parties - Fall Season

Powell Observatory

Back to Top of List

Powell Astronomical Observatory

Powell Astronomical Observatory

Powell Astronomical Observatory

Powell Observatory was built by members of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City and with help of a grant from the Powell family of Kansas City in 1985 and is located 25 miles south of Kansas City in Louisburg, Kansas…

Powell Observatory Star Parties

Farpoint Observatory

Back to Top of List

Farpoint Observatory

Farpoint Observatory

Farpoint Observatory

Farpoint Observatory is located under dark skies on land leased from the Mission Valley School District at 12965 Mission Valley Road, Eskridge Located in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, it’s about 30 miles southwest of Topeka…

Public Astronomy Nights

Crane Observatory

Back to Top of List

Crane Observatory

Crane Observatory at Washburn University

Crane Observatory at Washburn University

Crane Observatory The Physics & Astronomy Department houses and operates the Crane Observatory, which is open to the public during scheduled open observing sessions. These sessions are free, and are open to all ages…

Crane Observatory Open House

PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory

Back to Top of List

PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory

PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory

PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory

In operation since August 1996, the PSU/GAO features a classical Cassegrain telescope with a 61 cm (24 inch) primary mirror and has a focal ratio of f/15. The telescope was purchased from New Mexico State University's…

Star Party at PSU-Greenbush Astrophysical Observatory

Learn more about the Cosmos of Kansas!

Astronaut at the Cosmosphere

Story Series: Cosmosphere

People know that Kansas has space to roam, space to explore... But did you know that Kansas has space to explore space? The Cosmosphere is a…