Banner Creek
Science Center
& Observatory

 

RCOS 20-Inch Telescope
(click image to enlarge)

 

 

 

Our Mission:  To provide hands-on scientific education in harmony with the ecosystem and Native American culture.

Our Vision:  BCSCO will operate as a premier natural and physical sciences educational and research facility to attract students, scholars and tourists to the region.

Come for the Stars, stay for the Science.  Our astronomy and science Mini-Classes and Seminars are designed to convey why science matters; to ignite flames of curiosity; to stimulate an interest in the STEM fields; to have fun making discoveries along the way; to create an attitude of "Wow! I've got to find out more about this!"
 

Looking toward the center of our Milky Way Galaxy https://www.starsynctrackers.com/ garyhug@starsynctrackers.com

~ How to find us ~

Satellite View -- Holton & Banner Creek Lake
(click image to enlarge)
Telescope Coordinates
Latitude = 39 - 27 - 1.81 N  (39.450503)
Longitude = 95 - 47 - 47.07 W  (95.796408)
Elevation = 1,130 Feet  (344 Meters)

 

 

Have you ever wondered what we mean when we brag about our "Dark Sky" observing conditions?  How long has it been since you've seen the stars under a really dark sky -- when the Milky Way actually looked milky -- and there were more stars than you could count?

 

Here's a comparison chart to clarify the concept.  Mike estimates the conditions at BCO to be a 2- (close to a 1).

 

{ Click the image to enlarge to full screen }
 

 

Light Pollution

Click [ HERE ] for comprehensive information.

~ Observatory Activities ~

~ Clear-sky Observations ~

Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy our facility, look through the telescopes and talk to Mike Ford, Observatory Director, or one of our amateur astronomers.  Please check the event schedule for exact observation times.

Enjoy clear-sky viewing outdoors with the portable 14-inch and 16-inch reflector telescopes (and several refractor scopes), and indoors via the 20-inch RCOS telescope with imaging fed to the classroom computer and 70-inch HD flat screen.

Mike will be on hand to assist with telescope setups and operations, and to provide telescope tips and tricks -- using your own telescope, or one of several observatory telescopes.  Mike will also provide a laser-guided tour of the constellations, and answer general astronomy questions.
 

~ Teachers ~

Please contact Mike Ford (785.364.2641, mford2001@gmail.com) to schedule your own class events at the Science Center.
 

~ Daytime Tours ~

You may schedule a daytime tour of the BCSCO facilities, including clear-sky SOLAR observations, on Saturday or Sunday, between 10am-2:00pm.  Please contact Mike to arrange for your tour ahead of time.
 

~~  Activities for Surrounding Counties  ~~

We welcome activities by groups of 10 to 30 kids and adults.  For example:

• Grade School Classes
• High School Classes
• Boy Scouts
• Girl Scouts
• Church Youth Groups
• Church Adult Groups
• Service Clubs (e.g. Lions, Rotary, Optimists)
• Astronomy Clubs (private and collegiate)

For reservations, scheduling, and fees info please call Mike Ford at 785.364.2641 or email Mike at mford2001@gmail.com
 

 

Click [ HERE ] to visit our History Page

 

Shop at Amazon Smile
and Amazon will make a donation to:
Banner Creek Science Center
 

<== Click the logo (no extra fees); log into your Amazon account; do your shopping, OR hover on "Wish List"; click "Find a wish list or registry"; search for "banner creek"; donate an item from the "equipment" list, or from the "library" list.  Many thanks for your help!