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ASKC 2026 Calendars Now Available!

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Welcome to the Astronomical Society of Kansas City

The purpose of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC) is to provide a
community to support education and outreach to the Greater Kansas City area,
observing events and research opportunities for members and guests, and
resources for all interested in astronomy and allied sciences.

Since the 1920s, the ASKC has grown from a small group to one of the largest
astronomical societies in the country, with well over 500 members. Although
there are a few professional astronomers among us, most members are
amateur astronomers from widely diverse backgrounds with a unifying
interest in observing and discovering more about our universe.

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Let ASKC show you the stars

The Astronomical Society of Kansas City hosts many public and private
educational and observing events throughout the year. Find out about
the latest ASKC news, events and merchandise, as well as what's in
the sky this month.

Upcoming Events

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Become an ASKC Member

Members enjoy many benefits, such as extended access to one of the
largest telescopes in the Midwest, a private dark sky site for
observing and camping, loaner telescopes, members-only stargazing
events and more. Becoming a member is a great way to build or
expand your knowledge of astronomy and connect with a group of
fellow astronomy lovers.

Join Now

Astronomical Society of Kansas City to Host Historic Comet Watch 

Public invited to join local astronomers in the hunt for Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF).

LOUISBURG, Kan. – A comet whose last possible Earth sighting was by the Neanderthals 50,000 years ago is on its way around again and could be spotted just before Groundhog’s Day.

What could get in the way is cloud cover, a competing full moon, and the haze of light pollution, but volunteers from the Astronomical Society of Kansas City plan to break out their high-powered telescopes at Powell Observatory later this month to help the public share in this once-in-500-centuries possibility.

Come join our ASKC community astronomers at Powell Observatory for a chance to catch a glimpse of this fascinating comet as races across the night sky—or catch it again in another 50,000 years.

This event will take place Wednesday, February 1, beginning at 8:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m., cloud conditions permitting.
In case of cloudy conditions, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2.

For your comfort, please bring your own chairs or blankets.

All event updates or cancellations will be posted each day by 12 p.m. via the ASKC Facebook and Instagram pages.

Check here for the latest information:

https://fb.me/e/2eMpFuD9O

Date: Wednesday, February 1
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:59 p.m. CDT 
Location: Powell Observatory, 26500 Melrose St., Louisburg, KS 66053 
Cost: Your generous donations are always appreciated.

Images

 

25 minute sequence taken at Powell Observatory on January 26, 2023 showing the rapid motion of the comet relative background stars. Image courtesy of David McCallie.

25 minute sequence taken at Powell Observatory on January 26, 2023 showing the rapid motion of the comet relative background stars. Image courtesy of David McCallie.

 

This is the same 25 minute sequence, stacked and aligned on the comet so the background stars appear to trail. A tail is faintly visible exiting the frame to the left. Image courtesy of David McCallie.

 

Imaged January 26, 2023 at Powell Observatory with 8" Celestron and iPhone camera. Photo courtesy of Arsalaan N. Syed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ASKC

An amateur non-profit educational organization.

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