By now, most of the Messenger readers know that I am always out looking for new things to explore and write about, so I can share them with you. This month, a friend of mine who has lived in the area all his life told me about an observatory only a few miles from Wanamingo, so I got the directions, and off I went.
As I have been exploring the history of old ghost towns in our area, I will say that the Cherry Grove Observatory is located between Ayr and Fair Point. For those of you who are not familiar with the old sites, the address is 8485 520th street, Kenyon. You will easily find it if you take County Road 1 all the way to its southernmost point, which would intersect 520th street if it continued on, which it doesn't.
Once holding a small schoolhouse, the land was gifted to the state as a place for the public to do with as they saw fit. The schoolhouse eventually was abandoned as new schools popped up in the area, and the land lay fallow until the people who owned the adjacent property decided to sell and found out that the land they thought was theirs, wasn't. So, it came back to the state as public property, never to be sold.
The Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS) found out about the unobstructed views and the "dark skies" due to lack of city lights, and suggested an observatory be installed for the public to enjoy the night skies, and perhaps learn more about the stars. Since it could be open to the public, it was approved, and now the observatory is the southern most site of 5 observatories used by the MAS, and a favorite because of the views to be had. There you will be able to see various nebulae, galaxies and star clusters. You can bring your own telescope or come to an event and learn how to use the telescopes available. There are several to learn how to operate. In 2013 one of the buildings was finished that has a roll off roof for the largest telescope, but the smaller ones include a 12" Meade SCT, a 16" Meade SCT and a 24" B.A.D. Star Master Dobsonian that can be rolled out onto one of the concrete pads for use under the stars. Also onsite are 2 "onsite loaner" scopes. One is an 8" Zhumell, and a 10" Meade Star Finder for member's use while at Cherry Grove. Both scopes are equipped with optical finders & Tellrads, a collection of eye pieces, filters, star charts, a planisphere and a red flashlight. On the grounds is a handicap accessible Port O Potty, a warming house with a coffee pot, and a microwave. There are electrical outlets on the outside of the warming shed and a picnic table.
Over the years, improvements have been made, and telescopes bought or donated so all could learn more about astronomy. Astronomers from beginners to advanced star gazers gather here for special events and monthly meetings that are run by MAS, but open to the public. For a list of events and meetings go to their website at mnastro.org/cgo.htm, or you can write to them at info@mnastro.org. On the website you will not only see pictures of the Cherry Grove site but also learn about the star gazing events that are open to the public or learn how to become a member with extra privileges. A whole new world of exploration can be had for everyone who desires to know more about our universe.
