Within an hour of the Cosmoscope display facility is a traditional “analog” observatory at Lake Afton. After being co-operated by Wichita State University and local government, this facility is now operated by the volunteer Kansas Astronomical Observers.

The primary instrument at the Lake Afton Public Observatory (LAPO) is a legacy 16-inch reflector on a robust fork mount. Our understanding is that such specialized, professional equipment has been hard to bring up to modern expectations for automation and imaging capability, but the band of intrepid volunteers has made progress. Any integration between LAPO and the Cosmoscope should be welcome to both institutions, enhancing the profile and community service of both. We’ll try to update these pages with additional opportunities as specifics become available.