HENDERSON FIELD, IL HOSTS STARGAZING PARTY

RAF Illinois Ambassador Dave Warner invited the Carbondale-based Astrological Association of Southern Illinois, AASI to bring a selection of professional quality telescopes to privately owned Henderson Field, 95IL last year. “It was an easy sell, since we have such dark skies,” he said. “ Again this year, Warner organized the gathering, and AASI provided several telescopes for visitors to enjoy stargazing the weekend of October 11-13. One 30-inch diameter telescope was so large, it required its own trailer and a ladder to step up to the eyepiece. 

Warner was awarded two RAF grants to make improvements at the airfield, including rolling the turf runway surface, and creating permanent markings. He and a few other volunteers flew in and camped in advance of this year’s event to help mow the airfield, measure the runway and mark the thresholds temporarily until they installed the permanent markings. They cut firewood for the RAF fire ring, and arranged tables for the event. “The Northern Lights were pretty spectacular that evening, which is a very rare event in Southern Illinois,” Warner said.

More planes arrived Friday and by nightfall ten planes from three states including a restored Pietenpol Air Camper had settled in for some stargazing. The AASI set up telescopes and a high tech imaging device, “and they seemed thrilled with the dark sky, in spite of the half moon. We took turns between the telescopes and the fire,” Warner said. Local historian Mark Motsinger regaled folks on Southern Illinois history and why it is so different from most of the state. 

Warner estimates that over 50 people attended, some of whom also enjoyed hiking or fishing. “All in all it was a success, and folks are already talking about next year and what the RAF is doing,” Warner added.

For more information on Henderson Field and the required safety briefing, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted October 15, 2024