The Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is an educational ministry of French Camp Academy. Even though we do have some research-grade equipment, the facility's mission is primarily educational. We share this facility with interested amateur astronomers, school science classes, scout, church, or civic groups. The observatory site is located on State Highway 413 just off of the Natchez Trace Parkway in central Mississippi near the village of French Camp (about halfway between Jackson and Tupelo). (Travel Information)
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| The 14" Celestron is housed in one of the nine buildings on the hill. |
The Observatory, the largest in the state, has 16 telescopes plus other optical instruments. These instruments are spread out on our fenced-in hilltop site, which is open, by appointment, to both individuals and groups. The instruments are housed in nine small buildings and on five outdoor piers. Our largest telescope is a 32-inch Tectron with Starport computer assist. We also have a 20.5 inch Dobsonian with computer. Next in size are a Meade DS-16, a Celestron C-14, a 12.5 inch Ritchey-Cretien Cassegrain, a 12 inch LX-200 Schmidt-Cassegrain, a 12 inch fork- mounted Newtonian, a 6 inch D & G refractor, 10" and 8" Schmidt-Cassegrains, three 6 inch Newtonians, a 6" AstroPhysics refractor, a 4 inch Unitron refractor, a 4 inch SCT, an 80mm refractor, 50, 70, and 80mm binoculars, and a 9.5 inch Maksutov Cassegrain. Two loaner telescopes, an 8 inch Dobsonian and a 4.5 inch Newtonian can be borrowed.
For daytime viewing, we have five telescopes with three different kinds of Solar filters (H-alpha, glass, and mylar) as well as solar projection. Our daytime exhibits include a 300 foot scale model solar system, a large wall-mounted solar projection Analema/Calendar, sun clock, sundials, an 80' circumference celestial sphere, and a full-sized Stonehenge model that shows solstice and equinox sunrise and sunset points. These exhibits are used to demonstrate the Earth's motion and axial tilt, the eccentricity of the Earth's orbit and how the ancients predicted eclipses. Narrated slide presentations and talks on selected astronomical topics are available to visiting groups on request. An outdoor amphitheater and picnic/camping area are just down the hill from the Observatory.
For more serious observers, we have a small warm-up/library building with a stove, refrigerator, and cot, SSP-3 photometer, an array of nebular and color filters, and access to the school's darkroom. A closed circuit TV system is available for occultation studies and recording. There is a small spectroscope on-site and a CCD camera. The French Camp Bed & Breakfast can serve housing needs.
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We have an Observa-dome Planetarium with a six-meter dome and Spitz A-2 projector. The Planetarium, which seats 50 people, is used primarily as a sky orientation device and for slide presentations. We train high school/college students to operate this facility. It is the only planetarium for about 100 miles, and one of only three in the state. We offer a variety of programs and exhibits depending on the season and current sky objects. Visiting groups may want to take in a short planetarium show then go to the Observatory to observe. The planetarium houses museum exhibits, including an extensive meteorite collection, a library, a classroom and lecture hall, VCR, computers, restrooms and a kitchenette. |
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| M-42 taken by Don Brannan at Rainwater Observatory. |
The Rainwater Astronomical Association is an informal group that meets the second Friday of each month at 7:15 p.m. at the Planetarium. The programs are varied, and membership is open to anyone interested in Astronomy. Dues are $15.00 per year prorated. Use of the facilities, book discounts, and membership in the Astronomical League come with membership.
A student Astronomy Club: This group learns how to use the instruments and serve as helpers with visiting groups as well as doing their own observations for science projects and astronomy classes.
Astronomy Education Materials Center: Available are over 850 books, 1000 video programs, 300 posters, charts and maps; educational models and equipment; periodicals; audio cassettes; software; over 5500 slides; an astronomy web site. Members of the Association may borrow items for personal use. Educators and others may inquire about their use.
Speakers and Programs: If you cannot come to us, we can bring a program or workshop to you, or even bring telescopes for a star party. We have done programs for libraries, schools, civic clubs, museums, and exhibits at festivals.
The Rainwater Observer: A bi-monthly newsletter available to members of the Association, school teachers, and those who request it. It will keep you informed about the activities of the Association and other timely information.
Monthly Public Star Parties and Open House: These are held on the Saturday nearest the new moon each month. Other Open House observing dates are held whenever a unique sky event warrants, i.e., meteor showers, comets, etc. The media is informed of these events. (Coming Events)
Mid-South Star Gaze: This event is held each year in the spring. It is a weekend gathering of amateur astronomers who come to share, listen to outside speakers, and observe together.
Special Programs: Outside speakers, group trips to space science facilities, etc. Informal Backyard Astronomy and teacher workshops for CEU credit are offered.
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French Camp Academy was founded in 1885 by a group of Scotch-Irish Christians on the site of an old French Canadian settler's trading post, hence the name of the town and school. The school has continued for over 100 years without interruption. In 1950, the school was reorganized to provide a school-home for young people K-12. On a beautiful 1000-acre campus, a stable home environment is provided where children can know they are loved and accepted. There is a strong non-sectarian Christian emphasis. The Rainwater Observatory was an outgrowth of the desire to appreciate that "the Heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). Since its beginning in 1985, it has grown in a remarkable way and served thousands of people in Mississippi and elsewhere. Our astronomical facility is only one of the many activities to be found at French Camp. You will also enjoy visiting our. . .
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Write, call, or e-mail:
| James G. Hill,
Director Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 |
Phone: (662)
547-6377 E-Mail: info@rainwaterobservatory.org or use our Request More Information form. |
