Free Star Watch in Southern Indiana on May 3

The Evansville Astronomical Society is hosting a public star watching party, and you're invited.

Evansville Astronomical Society: A Legacy Since 1952

The Evansville Astronomical Society (EAS) was founded in 1952 and has become a fully incorporated 501 c3 non-profit. The organization was created to help grow amateur astronomy within Evansville and the surrounding community.

EAS works to promote educational programming for those with an interest in learning more about the science of astronomy, and they sponsor open houses and Public Star Watches during the warmer months. In addition to the monthly events, EAS also holds special free watch events for comets, eclipses, and meteor showers.

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The Wahnsiedler Observatory: A Community Stargazing Hub

During special viewing parties, the public is invited to join EAS at the organization's headquarters at Wahnsiedler Observatory, located on the grounds of Lynville Park in Warrick County, Indiana.

The observatory was opened in 1980, after a groundbreaking on the plot of land in 1978. For 45 years, the facility has been home to meetings and community viewing events, and features a lecture hall, as well as a computer room, a lounge, and a magnificent dome housing telescopes on a clock-driven, computerized equatorial mount.

NASA via Getty Images

On April 25, 1980, the EAS dedicated its new Observatory. Anyone who visits the building today will notice some changes from the original installation. The Everhart scope, affectionately known as "the monster", although a fine astronomical instrument, proved too heavy and unwieldy for the club's purposes. Being of Newtonian design, its eyepiece could only be reached from atop a tall ladder. The club thus decided to replace the scope and the mount. The Observatory contains a lecture hall, named for the late Dr. Ray Dufford, a long-time UE professor of Physics and Astronomy.

Next Star Watch: What to Know Before You Go

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, EAS will host its next viewing party, or "Public Star Watch," at the observatory, beginning at 7:30 pm CST. While it is free for the public to attend, the organization does welcome your tax-deductible donations to help offset the cost of operations and maintenance of the facility.

If you do plan to attend the May 3rd Public Star Watch, EAS advises that you may see signs on your way to the observatory indicating that the road is closed. EAS says you may proceed past the signs, but mention that the road is in need of maintenance, so proceed with caution.

How to Support or Join the Evansville Astronomical Society

For directions to the observatory and for details on how to become a member, visi EvansvilleAstro.org. If you are unable to attend the May 3rd Public Star Watch, consider following the Evansville Astronomical Society on Facebook for updates on future viewing events.

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Gallery Credit: Deborah Brosseau