Came to see the solar eclipse and just happened to find out the observatory was hosting a viewing…read more We set up a little place on the lawn and the event was so fun with so many other people. Super informative and made me appreciate what was happening while it was happening. I didn't know what to expect, but there was someone to guide us through the entire experience--letting us know what we were seeing, what to notice, when to keep our glasses on and when it was safe to remove them. 10/10 experience. So cool. There were telescopes to look through and stations set up where kids could color. And assistants to answer questions or tell us more about eclipses. TL;DR i'm starstruck. Super cool stuff happening here & very informative in an accessible way.

This is an amazing place for children and adults alike. Now I still have not mastered parking here…read moreon the Butler campus, but a guess when I park in one of the permit areas, my prayers have been answered and I have not been ticketed or towed (knock on wood). I visited here on one of their open house nights as part of a girl scout troop trip. The staff was very friendly, energetic, enthusiastic and showed a real passion for astronomy. The open house is in 2 parts. The first part is the movie in the planetarium. The theater is very nice, but also very small and fills up quickly. The movie they showed was awesome and gave the background on the US versus Russia space race and some information on the moon landing and space station. It was well put together and very informational. My little and I really enjoyed it. They followed the up with a simulation of the Indiana night sky and an explanation of some constellations and the origins of the Orion constellation. The second part was actually going up to the observatory and look through the huge telescope. It was a line, but moves at a steady pace. I would say I waited about 30 minutes or so. It was nice to look through the telescope and see specific constellations. They moved the telescope to see different stars and planets throughout the moving of the line. Luckily, it was a clear night and we were able to see a lot That is not always the case so I would check it out before I go. Some people would double back in the line, cutting offf some people that have not viewed yet to see the telescope again after it had been moved and out on a new star or planet. I think once you viewed, you should have to go all the way to the back of teh line and get a second viewing after everyone has had attest one. But, that is just my opinion. I highly recommend getting here early because they sell out quick and you may be offered a later showing, at best. Part of my group was a little late and werer told that they could come back at 9PM. They decided to just go home as that was a bit late for them and their little. The inside of the observatory has a lot of symbolism and meaning which was explained during our tour. They had a small telescope set up outside on the front walkway that were are able to see a very clear image of the moon. It was amazing. The place is available to be rented out for groups, at a very reasonable price, but you will not get to see the telescope because available rental times are during the daylight hours. I recommend checking this place out. It is as fun as it is educational. I was like a big kid here.

I toyed with giving this place 5 stars, but I know they are making improvements, so I am optimistic…read morethat the observatory will reach for the stars! (lame pun, but it seemed appropriate!) The history of this place is rich and almost unbelievably, was privately owned when constructed from 1937-9. It took three days of continuous pouring to build the foundation from the bedrock beneath up to the elevation of the telescope. The building itself does not touch the pedestal/mount because even the slightest jarring from someone walking across the floor or wind blowing the dome could jar the lens. Dr Goethe was instrumental in forming the forerunner of the IU School of Medicine and had many hobbies, including astronomy, so he built the observatory. It was the eighth largest at the time of its construction. On the second Thursday of each month, the observatory is open to the public to come in and talk with the personnel on site and take a look around. Be aware that to protect the lens, no heat or air conditioning is allowed in the building, so a spring or autumn visit might be better suited for a visit. On the first Saturday evening of each month, there is an open viewing time to actually look through the telescope. Depending upon how many people show up, wait times and duration times may vary. On generally the third Saturday evening of each month, a shuttle leaves from the Mooresville Public Library and takes guests to the observatory for a lecture and telescope viewing opportunity. Obviously, weather has a lot of influence on how successfully you may be able to see the stars. The observatory is affiliated with IU's Space Science Institute now, so there is a growing list of opportunities to gain further information and benefit from the program. They even have a VR experience available for anyone who has the latest technology available through their phones. The location is a little off the beaten path near SR 67 south of Mooresville. It can be a little difficult to see if your first visit is at night, so I recommend stopping by during daylight hours to take the tour first and then it will be much easier to find on evenings when you wish to view the stars. I am planning on returning this spring to check it out. Review #222

Good. Went to see a religious act/play and loved it! Staff are very nice!…read moreThey have some food and drinks you can buy before you go into the theater. Outside of the theater is loud when busy. (Not a complaint! Just putting here because of Yelp lol)

I came to see The Wiz and absolutely loved it! I've been to…read moreold National Centre and Indiana Performing Arts Centre and this may be my favorite one so far. Ended up with box seats with just me and my family and enjoyed it. We did have to sit up in our seats a little to see, but that may just be my height. However , I loved how I was able to see every part of the stage and that I didn't have to look over anyone's head to try to see. The line for drinks/snacks went by quickly and the staff were very friendly. I will definitely be looking into more shows at this location.