Rainwater Observatory in French Camp will offer a free program for the winter season called “Wonder of the Winter Stars” on Friday, Jan. 11. The 7 p.m. event will be led by teacher and astronomer David Teske. It is sponsored by a grant from 4-County Electric Foundation.
“This fascinating, educational and entertaining presentation explores the beauty, science and mythology of the winter stars and constellations,” said Observatory Director Edwin Faughn.
Teske has won various teaching awards including teacher of the year from schools at the Air Force Association and has been recognized by NASA. He is a retired science teacher who is a lifelong amateur astronomer. He has been doing public outreach at Rainwater Observatory since 1990. He also does outreach at local schools and nature centers. Prior to this, he worked at planetariums and nature centers in northern Minnesota. Teske contributes his solar and lunar observations to the American Association of Variable Star Observers and the American Lunar and Planetary Observers.
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 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 in Mississippi. It is about a 40-minute drive from Starkville, and about an hour from Columbus. Come early and enjoy Steak Night at the Council House Cafe, another support ministry of French Camp Academy.
For more information, contact Faughn at Rainwater Observatory at 662-547-7283 or [email protected].
Sign up for the observatory’s free e-newsletter on the homepage at rainwaterobservatory.org.
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