Plan a Visit
What to Expect
Public Astronomy Nights at Farpoint Observatory are informal, friendly gatherings where NEKAAL members share the night sky with anyone curious enough to show up. Observers may work through a list of targets, scan the sky freely, or just watch others at work. You’ll find telescopes ranging from small refractors to large Dobsonians, along with astrophotography rigs capturing long exposures of deep-sky objects.
There’s always comparing of notes, sharing of observations, explaining and demonstrating — accompanied by coffee and other caffeine sources. Come as a first-timer or a seasoned amateur; everyone is welcome.
Getting There
Farpoint Observatory is located in Wabaunsee County, approximately 30 miles southwest of Topeka.
Driving west of Topeka on Interstate 70, watch for the Auburn Road exit. Go south on Auburn Road to the town of Auburn. In Auburn, turn west on Eighth Street and continue west about eight miles. The road will curve south. About one mile after the curve, you will see a road leading west with a sign indicating the road to Mission Valley High School and NEKAAL’s Farpoint Observatory.
About 1.5 miles later you will arrive at Mission Valley School. On the west side of the school grounds, next to a large stone “Farpoint Observatory” sign, is a gravel road (Bodark). This road runs north, past the football field, to the observatory.
GPS: 38°53'24.8"N 96°00'08.7"W • Get directions on Google Maps
Address: 12965 Mission Valley Road, Eskridge, KS 66423
All public astronomy nights are cancelled if it is raining or too cloudy. Check within two hours of the event for status updates.
What to Bring
No equipment is required — NEKAAL members will have plenty of gear. That said, many visitors find the following items useful:
| Binoculars | Star charts |
| Red flashlight | Batteries |
| Blankets (seasonal) | Chairs (straight or lounge) |
| Insect repellent (seasonal) | Snacks or food |
| Cameras | Coffee (the stronger the better) |
First-Timer’s Guide
Welcome! Introduce yourself — we would be glad to show you lots of neat stuff.
A few basic rules help keep the experience great for everyone:
- Keep your headlights on while driving in. Night vision matters once you’re at the site, but please don’t turn your headlights off on the road — safety comes first. Switch to parking lights only once you’ve safely stopped and parked.
- No white light. Eyes take at least 20 minutes to re-adapt after exposure to white light. Use a red flashlight only.
- Let your eyes adjust. Take some time to dark-adapt before walking between the telescopes — it is safer for everyone.
- Let the astronomer drive. Let the astronomer operate their own equipment for you. They know how it works, and you will get better, faster results.
- No spray insect repellent near telescopes. Aerosol repellents can damage optics. Apply repellent away from the scopes before the session.
Contact Us
To schedule a group visit or get more information, email contact@nekaal.org or call 785-203-8077.