About NEKAAL

Who We Are

Founded in 1978, the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomers’ League Inc. is made up of amateur astronomers from around the area. Members come in all ages and all expertise levels, from “beginner” to “practically a pro”.

NEKAAL members observe, draw, photograph, document, discover and enjoy astronomy. We have given hundreds of educational presentations, had articles published in scientific journals, participated in projects of research and discovery, and have introduced hundreds of people to the wonders of the night sky at Farpoint Observatory and across the area.

NEKAAL, Inc. is an educational and scientific nonprofit corporation approved by the federal and Kansas state governments. Our FEIN number is 48-1068689.

NEKAAL is a member society of the International Dark Sky Association, the Night Sky Network, and the Astronomical League.

Farpoint Observatory

Farpoint Observatory is located under dark skies in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, approximately 30 miles southwest of Topeka, on land leased from the Mission Valley School District. Farpoint was completed in 1996 and was funded, designed, built, and is maintained solely by NEKAAL members. There are no salaries or any other compensation paid to its officers or members. Insurance, maintenance, and utilities are paid by contributions to the observatory.

Through the work of the FAST (Farpoint Asteroid Search Team), Farpoint Observatory is internationally known as the site of the discovery of over 600 asteroids and one of the faintest comets ever discovered by an amateur astronomer.

Thinking about coming out? See Plan a Visit for directions, what to bring, and what to expect.