Rainwater Observatory in French Camp offers a free program called “Exoplanets: Worlds Beyond Our Own” at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. Observatory Director Edwin Faughn is the presenter. The program is free to the public. Donations are welcome.
The educational and colorful presentation explores the history, science fiction and science facts of worlds beyond Earth. To date there are over 4,500 confirmed extrasolar planets that have been discovered orbiting other stars in the Milky Way galaxy, Faughn shared. That number will eventually be in the trillions in years to come.
“These discoveries are exciting, tantalizing and reveal that the universe is far greater and more spectacular than anything we can even begin to comprehend. Come join us as we explore these beautiful and exotic worlds beyond our own,” the director urged.
Faughn served nearly 20 years as art director for the Sharpe Planetarium of the Pink Palace Family of Museums in Memphis, Tennessee. He is also a lecturer and artist. His artwork has appeared in numerous international space science magazines, exhibitions and planetarium production.
After the presentation, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using some of Rainwater’s collection of powerful telescopes. The planetarium can be used if outdoor observing is clouded out.
Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located 1 mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off Mississippi Highway 413 near the village of French Camp, about one hour from Columbus, 30 minutes from Starkville. Come early The Council House Cafe, another support ministry of French Camp Academy, will also be open prior to the presentation.
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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