Observatories in Michigan

Hi. I'm planning a trip to the Traverse City Michigan area next week with my family, and was wondering if there are any Observatories in that area (Northern tip of lower state) that would be open to visit. Additionally, if anyone knows of any good retail stores in that area that carry decent stuff, I'd like to hear about them.

Thanks for looking.

Mike V.

Mike
I will be headed there myself in a couple of weeks. I notice that the Leelanau school in Glen Arbor has "observing on the beach" sessions with a 14" telescope on Wednesday and Thursday nights from mid June to mid August. Go to www.leelanau.org and click on "summer programs" and then click on "Lanphier observatory." I would appreciate knowing what your experience is observing near Traverse City. I noticed yesterday that they were in the "deep blue" on the clear sky clocks.
Kim Colter

Mike,

I live about 90 miles south of Traverse City on Lake Michigan. A lot of light pollution right around Traverse City but you might try up on Mission Peninsula or up past Suttons Bay on the West side of West Bay. That would give you a pretty good shot at the Sagittarius area.

Keep an eye on the wind, the beach sand can permeate everything and it’s not something you want invading your telescope.

The observatory Hugh mentioned is a possibility but Michigan, wonderful state that it is, is comprised mostly of those that have little appreciation for astronomy, science, jazz, or anything else unless it is highly commercialized for the masses. This is a Top-40, what’s trendy kind of state. Too bad too, because it is a beautiful state when you can get away from the masses;-)

Daryl