MIDSOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE!

Rainwater Observatory is gearing up for its annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference, April 22-25, 2026! This event attracts amateur and professional astronomers from around the country. It is held under one of the darkest skies in the southeastern United States and just off the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway near the village of French Camp, Mississippi.

MORE DETAILS TO COME!

FREE MONTHLY PUBLIC PROGRAM!

“PLUTO: Icy World of Wonder!”

Rainwater Observatory in French Camp Mississippi will be offering a free 4-County Electric Foundation “Exploring the Heavens” public program series! This month’s presentation is an updated program called, “PLUTO: Icy World of Wonder!”, presented on Friday, August 8, 2025, starting at 7:00 p.m. by Edwin Faughn, director of Rainwater Observatory.

“PLUTO: Icy World of Wonder!” explores one of the most mystifying and fascinating objects in the solar system. It has captivated people for decades and is filled with mythology, history, controversy, and a wealth of scientific discovery. This exciting and updated program is visually intensive and will take us on a fascinating journey through this icy and alluring world. It will also reveal some of the latest discoveries and information regarding NASA’s spectacular New Horizons Pluto flyby mission!

Edwin is also an artist and lecturer specializing in space sciences and has presented hundreds of programs to diverse audiences including but not limited to universities, museums, schools, churches, civic groups, scouts and various other organizations. His original artwork has been featured in and on the covers of international space science magazines, exhibitions and planetarium productions. A few of his credits include Scientific American, Federal Express World Headquarters and the world premiere of Titanic: The Exhibition. He also served nearly 20 years as the art director for the Sharpe Planetarium of the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, Tennessee. His work has been featured on the main KEPLER website of NASA's Ames Research Center.

Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located one mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off MS Highway 413 near the village of French Camp in Mississippi. Come early and enjoy dinner at the Council House, another support ministry of French Camp Academy.

For more information, contact Edwin Faughn at Rainwater Observatory: 662-547-7283 or info@rainwaterobservatory.org.

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