The Branched Oak Observatory (BOO, www.branchedoakobservatory.com) is expanding. The new Kunkel Family Multipurpose center will house a state of the art classroom, astronomy library, hands- on meteorite collection and astronomical artifacts. Also added to the facility is a network of wide sidewalks for easy access to all the viewing pads and buildings. They will be ADA compliant by summer’s end in all of their buildings, including handicap accessible restrooms in their multipurpose center. Additionally, a new addition is their new gift store with a bevy of STEM kits and merchandise to complement the visit. They will have BOO gear in t-shirts, hats, drinkables and more.
So whether looking at the night sky, through telescopes, talking to astronauts on the International Space Station or talking to the moon with Earth Moon Earth, the Branched Oak Observatory is your destination for fun and education. They are open every weekend throughout the summer 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Solar Sundays.
Established in 2015, the Branched Oak Observatory is an astronomy park located just southeast of the Branched Oak Recreation Area, 20 miles outside of Lincoln. They offer a wide variety of experiences, including classroom activities, solar viewing, nighttime viewing, space communications with satellites and the ISS and the newly installed Earth Moon Earth. For more information, you can visit www.branchedoakobservatory.com.