morrison observatory
The Morrison Observatory, first located in nearby Glasgow and moved
to Fayette in 1935, is home to a treasured artifact from an earlier era
of astronomy — a Clark telescope.
Unlike today's reflector telescopes which use mirrors to magnify distant
light rays, these refractors used a powerful lens and the long body of
the telescope itself to bring deep space objects into view. The popular
image of an observatory — a lone scientist looking through a long lens
inside a domed structure — dates from the era of the Clark telescope and
describes the Morrison Observatory perfectly..
The Morrison Observatory is located at 700 Park Road, next to the
Fayette City Park. To reach the observatory take Besgrove St. west from
the intersection of Highways 5 and 240 in Fayette. Turn left on Park
Road.
Public viewings will be offered each Thursday evening from 7:30 until
9:30, Sept. 20 through Nov. 1. In case of rain or cloudy weather,
observatory tours and astronomical programs will be presented. For more
information call (660) 248-6371.
