Join us for a groundbreaking ceremony of the public observatory at Hemlock Crossing Park!
September 11, 6:30-7 pm | Hemlock Crossing
Construction will begin this fall on West Michigan’s first public observatory, which will be located at Hemlock Crossing County Park. The facility will be operated in partnership with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. The 15-foot diameter observatory building will house a 16-inch permanently mounted telescope for the education and enjoyment of West Michigan citizens.
Following the ceremony, the SAAA will be presenting a program “Astronomy Basics” in the adjoining Nature Education Center at 7 pm to which you are also invited. This workshop will have three stations where the public will make a planisphere (perpetual star chart), learn about optics, and tour the planets. Personnel will be available to answer questions. There will be an opportunity for outside star gazing if the sky is clear.
A special thank you to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and Friends of Ottawa County Parks who joined the Parks Commission in financial support for this project.
The Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association is a group of individuals with a common interest in astronomy. They promote science and astronomy in West Michigan through public outreach initiatives in partnership with Ottawa County Parks, the Holland State Park, Hope College, the Holland Museum, local libraries, parks, public schools and other astronomical societies. Learn more: https://www.holland-saaa.org/
