EVENTS

 

  1. 2024 SCHEDULE

January 12, 2024: Monthly Public Program

January 13-15, 2024: Scout Group, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

February 9, 2024: Monthly Public Program

February 16-18, 2024: Cub Scout Group, Brandon, Mississippi

February 21, 2024: Pearl Presbyterian Church, Pearl, Mississippi

February 23, 2024: Space to Create Writing Retreat Group, Multiple States

February 23, 2024: Pine Lake Church, Retreat Group, Starkville, Mississippi

March 1-3, 2024: William Carey University, Astronomy Group, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

March 8, 2024: Monthly Public Program

March 9, 2024: Scout Group, Decatur, Mississippi

March 8-10, 2024: Astronomy Group, Multiple States

March 12, 2024: Tate Baptist Church Youth Group, Corinth, Mississippi

March 19, 2024: Saint Thomas Catholic Homeschool Group, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

March 22, 2024: Wild + Free Homeschool Group, Starkville, Mississippi

March 23-24, Scout Group, Vicksburg, Mississippi

April 7, 2024: Wings of Honor WW2 Museum, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

April 12, 2024: Monthly Public Program

April 12-14, 2024: American Heritage Girls, Jackson, Mississippi

April 13, 2024: International Group, Jackson First Presbyterian, Jackson, Mississippi

May 8-11, 2024: Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference 

June 3, 2024: Memphis Astronomical Society, Memphis, Tennessee

June 14, 2024: Monthly Public Program

July 12, 2024: Monthly Public Program

August 9, 2024: Monthly Public Program

September 13, 2024: Monthly Public Program

October 11, 2024: Monthly Public Program

November 7, 2024: Temple Baptist Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

November 8, 2024: Monthly Public Program

December 13, 2024: Monthly Public Program

 

Mid-South Stargaze

&

Astronomy Conference

 

Rainwater Observatory is gearing up for its annual Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference coming up in May 8-11, 2024! 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 from the University of Alabama, astrophotographer and retired "Hurricane Hunter" Jon Talbot, NASA recognized retired teacher-lecturer-astrophotographer and Association of Lunar and Planetary observers (A.L.P.O.) Lunar Recorder, Dave Teske! 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

 

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 a new program called, “PLUTO: Icy World of Wonder!”, presented on Friday, March 8, 2024, 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.

 

After the presentation, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using some of Rainwater’s collection of powerful telescopes. Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located one mile east of the beautiful 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 on these and other programs visit Rainwater Observatory at: www.rainwaterobservatory.org, call us at: 662-547-7283 or email us at: info@rainwaterobservatory.org.

 

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Astronomy Conference

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