(Westlake, OH) Westlake Porter Public Library invites the community to celebrate its new Space Exploration Lab at a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. In partnership with the Great Lakes Astrophotography Society (GLAS), the Space Exploration Lab gives patrons the opportunity to remotely operate a powerful telescope located in Spain.
“Too often, we teach the ‘how’ of science before the ‘why’. By giving the community direct access to deep space exploration, we are starting with the wonder first. Building this observatory was our small way of helping light that spark, in the hope of igniting in people a lifelong passion for the sciences,” said Christopher McDonnell, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Great Lakes Astrophotography Society.
During the grand opening, visitors will learn how to capture stunning images of distant galaxies, colorful nebulae, and other deep-space wonders from the library, will see the technology in action, and learn how to reserve telescope sessions. Patrons will also have the opportunity to explore the Lab’s Mission Control area, featuring interactive space exploration tools and software.
The Mission Control area includes resources such as the Kerbal Space Program, Stellarium Planetarium, NASA’s Eye on the Solar System, and other interactive tools that allow patrons to explore the night sky, simulate space missions, track spacecraft, and learn about our solar system and beyond. The area is designed to provide engaging, hands-on experiences for aspiring astronomers, students, and space enthusiasts of all ages.
“It is an honor to partner with the Great Lakes Astrophotography Society and bring this fascinating new opportunity to the community,” said Library Director Andrew Mangels. “We are not aware of any other public library in the country that is offering something like this. For patrons to have the ability to remotely control a telescope in another country and view the vastness of space is incredible, and we are tremendously excited to be able to facilitate this.”
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