Places to Observe

Broemmelsiek Astronomy Site Map to Broemmelsiek Park

Located about 6 miles South of Wentzville, Broemmelsiek Park is a St. Charles County Park with a dedicated astronomy site that is open 24/7. There is paved parking and observing pads (with electricity) and restrooms. Parks has provided shelters for ASEM telescopes, among which are a 14-in Schmidt-Cassegrain in a roll-off roof shelter, a 16-in Jones-Bird and as 32-in Newtonian (the largest telescope available for public viewing in Missouri).

Every Friday night, weather permitting, ASEM members conduct an open house during which most of the telescopes there plus many portable telescopes are used for public viewing. It is a great family event.

On occasion, announced elsewhere on this site, special observing sessions are held.

Danville Conservation Area Map to Danville Conservation Area

Located approximately 42 miles West of Wentzville, Missouri just South of I-70. Pros for observing include fairly dark skies. Cons include: relatively far, primitive (no facilities of any kind). Trips often arranged through STLastronomy email list (STLAstronomy+subscribe@groups.io )

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White Memorial Wildlife Area Map to White Memorial Wildlife Area

Located approximately 18 miles North of Troy, Missouri just West of US 61` highway. Pros for observing include fairly dark skies. Cons include: relatively far, primitive (no facilities of any kind), southern sky becoming more light polluted due to Troy. Trips often arranged through STLastronomy mail list.

Observing Conditions at these three sites

The forecasts below are from Astrospheric.com and show lots of information. In particular: cloud cover, transparency (takes into account smoke and aerosols) and seeing (steadiness of the air). Note the buttons at the bottom of the chart which will switch to the respective site.