Samuel Singer, inspired by his lifelong love of astronomy, moved to Wyoming in 2005 to pursue a master's degree combining astronomy and education. In 2013, he founded Wyoming Stargazers, offering various astronomical events and projects. In 2015, Singer proposed building an observatory and planetarium on Snow King Mountain to new owner Max Chapman, leading to the development of the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium (SKOP).
The SKOP, a $6-7 million project, overcame numerous construction and technological challenges and is set to open with a presentation by Bill Nye. The facility features a 35-seat planetarium with advanced projection technology, a state-of-the-art telescope, and NOAA's "Science on a Sphere." It offers a variety of daytime and nighttime programs, including planetarium shows, solar observations, and star-viewing sessions.
The University of Wyoming plans to utilize the observatory for research, and the facility aims to be accessible to the public while exploring various event opportunities to ensure financial sustainability. Daytime tickets are $60 for adults and $50 for students, while nighttime tickets are $125 for adults and $100 for students.
Read more at Jackson Hole News & Guide Here: https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/scene/events/bright-ideas-observatory-opens-up-the-night-sky/article_19af2da4-1be5-11ef-add8-eb5677eef457.html
