Racine Astronomical Society makes their home at the Modine-Benstead Observatory in Union Grove.
Modine-Benstead Observatory - Union Grove, WI
Wisconsin has several astronomy observatories throughout the state. Recently, I was going to be in the Union Grove area, and decided to get a few photos of the Modine-Benstead Observatory located there. The observatory is used by the Racine Astronomical Society, which was first founded in 1956. There was nothing on the calendar for the day I was going to stop by, so I was surprised to find the observatory open, and a small group of astronomers on-site. I think I can say they were surprised to see a complete stranger drive up, too.
I introduced myself, and explained that I was just hoping to get a few pictures of the exterior of the building for the website. They were not only welcoming, but offered to give me a tour of the facility, and let me take a look through the telescope they had set up on the lawn to view the sun. Yes, the sun! I viewed the big red-orange ball, and the markings on it showing solar flares, and more. Fascinating!
The Racine Astronomical Society has been using this facility since it was dedicated in October, 1963. The first 16-inch telescope was installed at that time, and is still in use in the main building today. A second building and dome was later added, and includes a 14-inch telescope. Many local companies and manufacturers were involved in the building of the observatory on the 3.5-acre property.
Since that time the observatory has held public events hosted by the Racine Astronomical Society, and offer a free open-house evening once a month to the general public. If you have an interest in viewing the galaxies above, I would encourage you to attend one of their events. Their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for all things space will stoke your curiosity.
On display inside the main building are photos and posters of all-things cosmos - incredibly detailed photos of Mars, by member Mark Schmidt (known in the club as "The Mars Guy"), photos showing the different stages of a lunar and solar eclipse, along with photos of the most recent showing of the aurora borealis right above Wisconsin in the night sky. You'll also find some great articles on the history of the observatory and the society on display for reading.
Check out their website for a list of upcoming events.
Location: 112 63rd Drive, Union Grove, WI (Racine County)
For more details, visit their website.
I introduced myself, and explained that I was just hoping to get a few pictures of the exterior of the building for the website. They were not only welcoming, but offered to give me a tour of the facility, and let me take a look through the telescope they had set up on the lawn to view the sun. Yes, the sun! I viewed the big red-orange ball, and the markings on it showing solar flares, and more. Fascinating!
The Racine Astronomical Society has been using this facility since it was dedicated in October, 1963. The first 16-inch telescope was installed at that time, and is still in use in the main building today. A second building and dome was later added, and includes a 14-inch telescope. Many local companies and manufacturers were involved in the building of the observatory on the 3.5-acre property.
Since that time the observatory has held public events hosted by the Racine Astronomical Society, and offer a free open-house evening once a month to the general public. If you have an interest in viewing the galaxies above, I would encourage you to attend one of their events. Their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for all things space will stoke your curiosity.
On display inside the main building are photos and posters of all-things cosmos - incredibly detailed photos of Mars, by member Mark Schmidt (known in the club as "The Mars Guy"), photos showing the different stages of a lunar and solar eclipse, along with photos of the most recent showing of the aurora borealis right above Wisconsin in the night sky. You'll also find some great articles on the history of the observatory and the society on display for reading.
Check out their website for a list of upcoming events.
Location: 112 63rd Drive, Union Grove, WI (Racine County)
For more details, visit their website.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
|