Ever wish you could pull the moon from the sky and stare at it up close?
Astronomy fascinates people. Knowing there’s an entire universe out there that can’t be seen by the naked eye is enticing.
Two people enamoured by the moon and stars are McGrath customers Jim and Ginny Strogen. This couple is a member of the Camden County Astronomy Association and was instrumental in getting the new Joseph P. Strogen Observatory built.
About the Joseph P. Strogen Observatory
In Fall of 2014, the Joseph P. Strogen Observatory in Montreal opened its doors for the first time. At this local observatory, astronomers peer out of telescopes from two telescope landing pads. These telescopes are enclosed in a building with a retractable roof.
Visitors and Camden County Astronomy Association members are also welcome to take a look up at the stars through a special 20-inch telescope.
Jim and Ginny Strogen lead the three-year project to build this observatory. From design to construction, a team of people came together to make this resource a reality. It is aptly named after Jim’s father, Joseph P. Strogen who loved astronomy. It was this love that drove the couple to develop and nurture the observatory to completion.
Blue Moon Viewing Party
After opening, the observatory joined forces with the Lake of the Ozarks Blues Society to put together a celebration of the blue moon. Blue moons happen when a full moon makes an appearance twice in one month. The expression “once in a blue moon” was born because this phenomenon only happens once every three years. It was worthy of a party.
The Blue Moon Viewing Party opened up three 8 and 10 inch telescopes and solar telescopes. Festivities kicked off at 3 p.m. For many people, that time might seem unusual, but the Camden County Astronomy Association wanted attendees to have the opportunity to get a rare up-close look at the sun.
The association noted that full moons are not optimal viewing times to look closely at the moon. However, three other planets – Saturn, Jupiter and Venus – come into full view, making for an impressive show.
While guests admired the night sky close up and from afar, a blues band serenaded the guests. Music was provided by Blue Society members and members of the public.
Continued Success for the Joseph P. Strogen Observatory
The Joseph P. Strogen Observatory is open for visitors year-round. To date, the association has hosted several groups for both day and night viewing events.
For more information, or to make an appointment to visit the observatory, call 573-347-4144 or 572-345-4163. You can also learn more by visiting their website.
