Washburn University's Crane Observatory nears reopening date

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka's window into outer space is almost ready to open again to the public after closing for renovation work last year.

Washburn University's Crane Observatory is preparing to accept visitors again. The large telescope housed in the observatory has been around for more than a century helping people watch the night sky.

"The observatory is a historic piece," said Brenda Culbertson, NASA solar system ambassador. "It's a great community service. People can come and observe with us and see what we can see and go in the planetarium when we have it."

Visitors can still visit the planetarium downstairs if clouds obscure someone's view of the sky. Operators can display everything in Topeka's current sky that day.

Washburn's Physics & Astronomy Department manages the Crane Observatory. People can visit the observatory during scheduled observing sessions which are free and open to all ages. You can learn more about how to visit the observatory by calling the department at 785-670-2141, sending an email to physics@washburn.edu or by clicking here.

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