Weekly Stargazing at Broemmelsiek Park: This St. Charles County park has an area dedicated to astronomy viewing, making it a great spot for stargazing on clear nights. Aspiring astronomers who can't quite tell Scorpius from Sagittarius can get help from the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, which leads public viewings Friday nights beginning at dusk. The Astronomy Viewing Area also houses a 32-inch Dobsonian telescope, which provides larger views of deep-space objects and detailed views of individual stars and nebulae. Broemmelsiek Park is located at 1615 Schwede Rd., Wentzville, MO. ASEM also hosts "Star Parties" at St. Charles City-County Library.
Saint Louis Science Center: Explore the night sky indoors during a live "The Sky Tonight" show at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the Saint Louis Science Center, or take a trip through the cosmos at one of the planetarium's other experiences, like "The Little Star That Could." The Saint Louis Science Center is located at 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO.
Challenger Learning Center, Ferguson: If your little rocket man prefers traveling through the galaxy to viewing it through a telescope, plan a visit to the Challenger Learning Center, where kids can learn more about space through camps, simulated space missions and more. The Challenger Learning Center is located at 205 Brotherton Lane, St. Louis, MO.
St. Louis Astronomical Society: The St. Louis Astronomical Society works to advance astronomy by hosting free monthly programs, partnering with local libraries to make viewing equipment available for checkout, hosting events with local libraries and organizations, and more.
The Nature Institute: The Nature Institute in Godfrey, Illinois, is a haven for those who enjoy exploring the heavens, offering telescope nights, moonlight hikes and more. For information about upcoming events, visit The Nature Institute's Events Calendar. The Nature Institute is located at 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey, IL.
Tower Grove Park: Tower Grove Park hosts numerous educational programs, including a monthly stargazing event April through October. Amateur astronomers meet after sunset between the Stone Shelter and West End Picnic Site, located at 4490 Northwest Dr., St. Louis, MO. Telescopes are provided by the St. Louis Astronomical Society. For upcoming dates, visit the Tower Grove Park online calendar.
Your own backyard: You don't have to go far to explore the night sky. Plan a night of stargazing in your own backyard with resources from the NASA website, which offers tips on what to look for each week, a daily guide to the night sky and the current moon phase. Check out binoculars, telescopes and other astronomy essentials from St. Louis County Library, St. Charles City-County Library's Library of Things, Kirkwood Public Library, Washington Public Library's Library of Things and the Municipal Library Consortium.
Additional resources:
Alliance for Astronomy, the parent organization of ASEM, suggests a few other resources and organizations for exploring astronomy, as well:
Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers (EMDSO)
River Bend Astronomy Club
International Dark-Sky Association, Missouri Chapter
Skymaps
The International Library Telescope Program
Stargazing in St. Louis
Chuck Simms with the Alliance for Astronomy shares tips for taking up a stellar new hobby this summer in St. Louis. Learn more about his favorite stargazing spots and find out about upcoming Star Parties.
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