SPIRIT MARKS THE SPOTS
at 16400 Burkhardt Place has resources for
The first local place to head for seeing stars
learning cosmic patterns. Astronomy guide-
is the Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield
books also can be secured at Barnes & Noble
Valley. The "unofficial" site is a gravel lot on
Booksellers, 1600 Clarkson Road. It's nice to
the far south end of Goddard Avenue. Spirit's
be able to point out stars or constellations
Director of Aviation John Bales says the lot is
beyond Polaris, the Big Dipper or Orion!
available for night viewing and monitored by law enforcement officers. A second Spirit-based location reflects com-
A variety of telescopes can be ordered and picked up from the Walmart Supercenter at 100 THF Blvd.; some are offered with free shipment.
plete Chesterfield ties and history. Bales says
Other stargazing tips would be to buy
the Richard E. Hrabko Aircraft Viewing Park at
a planisphere, which is a star chart analog
18270 Edison Ave. is a special spot. The area
computing instrument, or to download an
was created and dedicated in 2012 to honor
automated app onto a smartphone or tablet.
Hrabko, who was Spirit's first employee as an
Some apps work by pointing smartphones
air traffic controller and former chief executive.
at the sky to pinpoint constellations. Others
Hrabko was instrumental in Chesterfield's
allow for changing locations to view the night
development and commerce, even serving as
sky from other points on Earth, and in-app
a city councilman. He died this April.
purchases unlock enhanced star catalogs,
"Dick's spirit lives on at the airport, and
meteor showers and comets. Examples of
that he certainly would want visitors to enjoy
such apps include Night Sky Lite, SkyView,
the night sky from there," Bales says.
Sky Guide, Star Rover, Google Sky and
To get farther away from ambient light or
Stargazers Pro. If using these technologies
illumination, stargazers can head to Howell
on-site during evenings, remember to allow
Island Conservation Area, which is mostly
extra time for eyes to reacclimate to the dark.
forest surrounded by the Missouri River and
The NASA app shares the latest missions
Centaur Chute. However, an associated park-
plus daily images, news, features, tweets,
ing lot is located off of Eatherton Road, pro-
satellite trackers and even live stream from
viding a safe place from which to watch skies
NASA TV. It also monitors the International
until 10 p.m. nightly. The parking lot is next to
Space Station sighting opportunities.
Fick's Supply Service, 501 N. Eatherton Road.
Another handy, electronic tool comes from
For more intimate viewing, one needs only
AccuWeather, which provides solunar fore-
to walk outside into a backyard or deck with
casts. A bright moon is awfully pretty, but it’s
binoculars or a telescope.
not a great condition when desiring to see
St. Louis Astronomical Society members
other items in night skies. If the moon will
host "star parties" and sky orienteering
set early or rise late, that's the best chance at
events in nearby places, such as Babler
clear views of stars.
State Park's Monument Area Outreach Site
Got young toddlers and children? Get
in Wildwood; Queeny Park and Ferris Park
them more excited about outer space with
in Ballwin; Manchester United Methodist
mini space shuttle replicas or other space-
Church; and Des Peres Park. Check the soci-
craft toys to hold during the outing. Fill dry,
ety's website—SLASOnline.org—for dates
inflatable kiddie pools with pillows and blan-
and options. Additionally, Jim Small, presi-
kets to make comfy viewing nests.
dent of the society, says the group donated 17 telescopes to St. Louis County and City libraries so the instruments can be checked out by those with valid library cards.
PLAN NIGHTTIME PICNICS
Relaxing and enjoying stargazing experiences is the mission. Round up whatever lawn chairs, stools, blankets, cushions and drinks
AWAKEN THE INNER EXPLORER
desired ahead of time. If it's a romantic eve-
AND GET PREPARED
ning, champagne and truffles may be in order.
Astronomy is an outdoor nature hobby, and
Many people like to lie down for sky view-
Chesterfield's Samuel C. Sachs Branch Library
ing, so as to not strain necks. A reclined front CONTINUED >
July 2017 | Chesterfield Lifestyle
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