About FWAS

Fort Wayne Astronomical Society (FWAS) is a 501c3 non-profit group incorporated in 1959. FWAS has spent over half a century working towards our mission by bringing the wonders of our universe to the eyes and minds of thousands of our visitors.

We have welcomed individuals, families, groups, astronomy enthusiasts and students of all ages and knowledge levels to peer through our scopes over the years. Star*Quest Observatory, which is owned and run by FWAS volunteers, opened in May of 2017 and has since offered free events, public stargazing sessions and private star parties for the community.

History

In 1963, the first Fort Wayne Astronomical Society observatory opened to the public on farm land near the intersection of Dupont and Lima. It was later relocated to Fox Island in the late ‘70s due to light pollution. The observatory called Fox Island home until 2011, when a combination of increasing light pollution and tree growth made it necessary move once more.

A new astronomical observatory design was planned for Jefferson Township Park, a location with darker southern skies and a superior horizon.

In May of 2017, Star*Quest Observatory had its grand opening to the public followed by stargazing offered on clear Saturday nights April-November.