Ashton Observatory event

The observatory in Jasper County’s Ashton Wildwood Park recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Fifty-five people attended the celebration including Jasper County Conservation Commission Director Keri Van Zante, Naturalist Katie Cantu and conservation commission board member, Carol Kramer. The Jasper County Conservation Commission was instrumental in granting enthusiastic support to the establishment of the observatory in 1983.

The observatory is open to the public every Saturday night April through October with free lectures presented by members of the Des Moines Astronomical Society followed by opportunities to view objects in the night sky. The Society also hosts many private sky classes and tours on Friday nights. Hundreds of guests visit the observatory every year.

There are currently three telescope domes at the observatory housing some of the best telescopes in Iowa. A fully equipped, 60-seat classroom at the observatory is shared by astronomers and park naturalists. A large gathering is expected Saturday, Oct. 14 when there will be a solar eclipse. The viewing will begin with a lecture at 10 a.m.