Local students
More ways for students to experience real astronomy and science without leaving the region.
A community-focused 46 North program
A future astronomy center that belongs to the Northwoods community.
46 North Astronomy Center is the nonprofit home for a long-term vision: safe public observing, youth science opportunities, dark-sky education, and a future facility developed with local input instead of surprise promises.
Current status: 46 North is actively searching for the right Northwoods site for a future astronomy-focused facility. While that search continues, we are building local relationships, gathering educator and community input, and planning future mobile or partner-hosted activities. Public events will be announced only when sites, permissions, safety plans, insurance/logistics, staffing, and weather or seasonal considerations are ready.
Why it matters locally
Built for students, families, neighbors, and the broader community.
Astronomy is the starting point, but the purpose is community benefit: local youth opportunities, safe public observing, school connections, dark-sky education, and a project that grows with local input.
Families and visitors
Safe, welcoming night-sky programs that people can attend even if they have never used a telescope.
Northwoods character
Dark skies, quiet nights, forests, wildlife, roads, neighbors, and community fit all matter.
Step-by-step
Building toward a permanent astronomy center.
The long-term goal is to develop a permanent astronomy-focused facility in the Northwoods. We are starting in a practical way: by building local relationships, listening to educators and community partners, and planning smaller community-focused astronomy activities before a permanent facility is in place.
Searching for the right site
We are looking for the right Northwoods home for the future center and welcome site suggestions, land leads, and local introductions.
Community-based start
Early programs may be mobile or partner-hosted, depending on site access, permissions, safety planning, weather, staffing, and local coordination.
Careful growth
Public events and facilities require permissions, safety planning, insurance, staffing, funding, and local coordination.
Long-term facility
The future center may include observing areas, education space, support infrastructure, and larger telescope equipment once the foundations are in place.
Who is involved
Project leadership and specialized guidance.
46 North Astronomy Center is building a support network with practical experience in astronomy education, youth engagement, public outreach, community programming, and other STEM-related fields.
Prof. Jim Moravec
Consulting Astronomer & Youth STEM Engagement Advisor
Prof. Jim Moravec is the founder of the International Association for Astronomical Studies, an immersive youth astronomy and space sciences program based in the Denver, Colorado area.
For nearly 50 years, IAAS has helped bring astronomy and space-science opportunities to youth across metro Denver and the eastern plains of Colorado. His experience with long-running youth astronomy programming provides valuable perspective as 46 North Astronomy Center develops its own community-focused astronomy and youth STEM efforts in the Northwoods.
Connect
Help shape the future center responsibly.
Useful help includes local introductions, school connections, land or site leads, skilled trades, business partnerships, donations, and plain-spoken community feedback.
- Community inputTell us what would help local students, families, and visitors — and what concerns should be addressed early.
- Land and site leadsShare property, access, or partnership ideas that may fit a careful future astronomy center.
- Skilled helpConstruction, surveying, engineering, safety, technology, education, and event-planning experience can all help.
- SupportDonations, sponsorships, introductions, and letters of interest can support future grants and partnerships.
Northwoods safety
Safety starts before anyone shows up in the dark.
Future 46 North programs will use practical safety suggestions for night and field activities: check-in/check-out, weather and road conditions, warm layers, high-visibility gear when needed, wildlife awareness, medical readiness, youth supervision, and event-leader discretion.
Check in
Follow event arrival, check-in, parking, and release directions, especially for youth programs.
Dress for conditions
Bring layers, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate gear, and personal supplies.
Stay aware
Watch for darkness, equipment, uneven ground, insects, wildlife, changing weather, and limited services.
Respect the site
Follow property rules, reduce unnecessary light and noise, pack out trash, and respect neighbors and wildlife.