Calling all astronomy lovers: Wilson's Creek, Astronomical Society host annual Star Party

News-Leader staff
Updated ·1 min read

UPDATE: Park officials announced Friday, Oct. 13 that due to high cloud cover, the Annual Star Party at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield slated for Oct. 14 will be rescheduled. A new date may be announced on short notice as they try to find an evening with clear skies.

Astronomy lovers of all ages are invited to learn about local history and get a close look at the night sky during Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and the Springfield Astronomical Society's annual Star Party.

Free to the public, the Star Party is 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Republic.

Games and activities will kick off at the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Center. Telescopes and constellation tours will be provided at stop five on the tour ride.

The evening will feature the following events:

  • Kids games at the visitor's center from 8-10:30 p.m.

  • Space trivia at the visitor's center from 8-8:30 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m.

  • Telescopes with the Springfield Astronomical Society from 8:30-11 p.m.

  • Constellation tours from 9-10:30 p.m. (every half hour)

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Parking at the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is limited, so it will be available on a first come, first served basis. Personal telescopes will not be allowed during the event. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

The Springfield Astronomical Society is a nonprofit with a focus in increasing pleasure and understanding of astronomy through shared observations, public outreach, community service and scientific research.

Open to anyone interested, the Springfield Astronomical Society hosts meetings every fourth Tuesday of the month at the Springfield-Greene County Library Center from 7-8:30 p.m. Meetings are in Community Room B.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Get a closer look at the night sky during Wilson's Creek Star Party