Star gazers seek open spaces
Approximately 40 people gathered last week for a "star" party at Country Dreams Bed and Breakfast in rural Marion.
Some stayed in the inn, while others camped on the grounds. The group included several families with children.
They are members of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, which was established in 1935. Viewing the starry skies together has resulted in a common bond of friendship.
Beginning about four years ago, they hold an annual event somewhere out in the country, where they can get a clear view of the sky unimpeded by city lights.
Armed with approximately 20 telescopes, they spent the night Thursday and Friday searching for stars, planets, moons, and various stellar formations.
They had planned to do the same Saturday night, but rain cut short their stay. Most campers left Saturday afternoon, but the bed and breakfast lodgers remained until Sunday.
Gil Machin, 56, from Kansas City, Mo., has been a member of the astronomical society since he was 12 years old. He said he had gotten only four or five hours of sleep during the two days, so he was pretty tired.
He visited Marion on Thursday and was impressed with what he found.
"We hear so much about small towns going downhill, but Marion is a nice little town," he said. "I was glad to see it vibrant and vital."
