As a night owl, I have always loved the stars and the nighttime sky.

When I was younger, I wish I did not taken my telescope for granted and actually used it as much as I should have.

Thankfully, all of us have the opportunity to experience the stars and the night sky in a fun and safe way here on Earth.

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The new Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory is making its galactic entry into West Michigan.

Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association via Facebook
Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association via Facebook
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The grand opening of the new observatory is happening on October 8th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to celebrate the finished building.

The best part about this new observatory is that it is free and open to the public.

During the grand opening, the community can take a tour of the facility, build a planisphere, explore the tools that the astronomers use, and enjoy a walkthrough model of the solar system.

Also, we are in for a treat...well, as long as it does not rain.

If the sky is clear, the attendees can use the 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope to have a breathtaking view of the stars.

The Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association has raised over $100,000 to build this new observatory for the community and has been working on this for the past year.

According to the president of the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association or SAAA, Frank Roldan, the Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory will be free and most likely be open one evening out the week for the public to visit.

If any teachers, schools, or organizations would like to use or visit the facility, the observatory will be made available.

Seeing as though this is the only fully public observatory in West Michigan, I am super excited to experience the stars in a whole new way.

The Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory will be located in Ottawa County at Hemlock Crossing Park at 8115 West Olive Road in West Olive, Michigan.

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