MIDSOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE!

Rainwater Observatory is gearing up for its annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference coming up in April 23-26, 2025! 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.

This year we have an exciting conference lined up with fun, fellowship, sightseeing, telescope observing and imaging with fascinating presentations by professional astronomers and others such as galaxy researcher, Dr. William Keel, Professor Emeritus from the University of Alabama, NASA recognized retired teacher-lecturer-astrophotographer and Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.) Lunar Recorder, Dave Teske and space artist-lecturer and director of Rainwater Observatory, Edwin Faughn!

We will also have a space art-astrophotography exhibit on display at the Welcome Center's Main Street Gallery in downtown French Camp!

REGISTRATION AND LODGING DETAILS!

FREE MONTHLY PUBLIC PROGRAM!

"Winter into Spring!”

Rainwater Observatory in French Camp Mississippi will be offering a free 4-County Electric Foundation “Exploring the Heavens” public program! This month’s presentation is called, "Winter into Spring!”, and will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025, starting at 7:00 p.m. by David Teske.

The program will discuss some of the winter constellations such as Orion the Hunter and Taurus the Bull, riding high in the western March skies.  To the east, we will explore the spring constellations of Leo and Bootes riding higher into the sky.  Along with the constellations, the planets Venus, Jupiter and Mars are putting on a wonderful show in our skies.  Plus, on March 14th, we will have an almost Full Moon to explore.  Hoping for clear skies, we will use the telescopes on the hill to view the Moon, Jupiter and Mars.

David David Teske is a long-time amateur astronomer who specializes in lunar and solar astronomy, as well as public outreach.  He has worked as the assistant planetarium at the Alworth Planetarium in Duluth, Minnesota, the assistant director at the Davis Planetarium in Jackson, Mississippi, and has presented numerous astronomy programs at the Rainwater Observatory, nature centers, and schools.  He recently retired as a science teacher who has been the recipient of numerous awards for teaching including STAR teacher twice, teacher of the year from Parents for Public Schools, and recognition from NASA and the Air Force Association for teaching.  NASA awarded Teske for Mission Home, for incorporating science applications to Earthly applications.  The Air Force Association awarded Teske the Christa McAuliffe Teacher of the Year for his teaching of air and space sciences in middle school.  Currently, Teske is the Coordinator of the Lunar Topographic Studies Program of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

After the presentation, weather permitting, a telescope observing session will be held using some of Rainwater’s collection of powerful telescopes including the largest in Mississippi. 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, visit Rainwater Observatory at: www.rainwaterobservatory.org, call us at: 662-547-7283 or email us at: info@rainwaterobservatory.org. Sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter on the homepage!