Details

Campers will experience the wonder of the night sky and learn about astronomy at the largest public observatory in Montana, located on Montana Learning Center’s Canyon Ferry Lake campus. Weather permitting, students will observe the Moon, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters during nightly star parties. They also will safely observe the Sun during the day. For those nights when clouds limit the skies’ observability, there are other planned activities.

Students will learn about the phases and features of the Moon and how to observe Jupiter and Saturn. They will create images of Pluto and other deep-sky objects. A unique daytime activity will give campers the chance to view the Sun safely through a solar telescope. Fun activities include going on scavenger hunts, engaging in astronomy games, sketching planets and enjoying our lakeside environment.

The cost is $825 per camper, and includes housing, meals, snacks, supplies and all activities.

Special thanks to Peter Detterline, the director of the Mars Society Observatory and a college astronomy professor, for helping to design and co-teach the astronomy camp at the Learning Center.

The Learning Center’s Executive Director, Ryan Hannahoe, also will be co-teaching this camp. Ryan had a long career in astronomy before coming to MLC.