Rainwater Observatory in French Camp Mississippi offers a free public program for the holiday season at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14. “The Christmas Star,” presented by Rainwater Observatory Director Edwin Faughn, is sponsored by 4-County Electric Power Association.
The “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem” has been debated among scientists and theologians for centuries. Was it a comet, supernova, planetary conjunction, a biblical allegory or totally supernatural event that announced the birth of Jesus Christ? Faughn will lead listeners on a journey to discover more about the celestial event, using the latest biblical as well as scientific research.
Faughn is also an artist and lecturer specializing in space sciences and has presented hundreds of presentations to diverse groups including but not limited to universities, museums, science centers, schools, churches of most major denominations and other faith-based and civic organizations. His original artwork has been featured in and on the covers of numerous 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 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. See some of his work at edwinfaughn.com or rainwaterobservatory.org
After Friday’s program, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using some of Rainwater’s collection of powerful telescopes. The planetarium can be used if the outdoor observing is clouded out. Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located one mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off Mississippi Highway 413 near the village of French Camp. Come early and enjoy Steak Night at the Council House Cafe, another support ministry of French Camp Academy.
For more information, contact Faughn at 662-547-7283 or email [email protected].
Sign up for the observatory’s free e-newsletter on the homepage at rainwaterobservatory.org.
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