SEMlTA MAJOR TRAIL CLOSED: This trail is closed due to storm damage and is unsafe to access. The trail will remain closed until repairs can be completed. No entry permitted.
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Restrooms
- Nature Trails
- Observatory
The Highland Road Park Observatory, brought to the public by BREC, LSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society, is located on the south side of BREC's Highland Road Park. The observatory houses a state-of-the-art 20-inch reflecting telescope, which has been used to discover over 50 asteroids, and an all accessible 16-inch reflecting telescope.
About HRPO
HRPO's octagonal main building is located in BREC's Highland Road Park. The 20-inch reflecting telescope (used to discover dozens of asteroids) is located inside the retractable dome. BREC supplies an enthusiastic staff willing to answer questions concerning astronomy and space science.
LSU's Department of Physics and Astronomy secured funding for the 20-inch and 16-inch telescopes and the equipment needed to operate them. In addition, LSU provides computers, projectors and other items used in the educational outreach mission of HRPO. The Department's faculty and graduate students are consistently involved in HRPO's public programs by volunteering as guest speakers and telescope operators, and by sharing their expertise in astronomy.
The Baton Rouge Astronomical Society was created and is sustained by people who share a common interest in amateur astronomy. Established in 1981, this 501(c)(3) organization uses HRPO as a meeting place for amateur astronomers in and around the metropolitan area. Visitors will find BRAS members volunteering their time and expertise to help the public better understand the world of astronomy and space science. They also serve as guest speakers and telescope operators as well as consultants.
Year Round Programs
Program Summaries
Science Academy
Under the guidance of HRPO Education Program Specialist, Amy Northrop, Cadets are brought into the wonderful world of astronomy-at their level! They have an exciting chance each Saturday to explore gravity, simple machines, stars, spacecraft, meteors, the Earth and the Moon, asteroids and comets, the electromagnetic spectrum and the American space program. During the entertaining visual presentation, Cadets take part in hands-on demonstrations, crafts and experiments! Each session is stand-alone, and kids never have to make a commitment to attend consecutive sessions.
Most Saturdays / July-Dec. / 10 a.m.-noon / Ages: 8-12 / $5
STEM Expansion
This program features advanced demonstrations, topic extensions, and all-new activities designed for an older crowd. Participants will explore archived experiments—some not seen in over fifteen years—alongside cutting-edge demonstrations and concepts. Enjoy games, giveaways, and door prizes while earning certificates and experiencing science like never before.
July 25 + Aug. 29 + Sept. 26 + Oct. 24 + Nov. 28 + Dec. 26 / 2:30-6:30 p.m. / Ages: 12-16 / $15
Friday Night Lecture Series
The observatory is proud to continue its long-running, free Lecture Series focusing on astronomy and its peripherals. With a variety of presenters, this series gives stunning and entertaining overviews of the planets and stars, stargazing techniques, physics, NASA missions, space technology and other divisions of the science that is truly universal.
Most Fridays / July-Dec. / 7:30-8:30 p.m. / Ages: 14+
Evening Sky Viewing
Two nights a week, the professional telescopes at the observatory are unlocked (weather permitting) to showcase the Baton Rouge sky in all its glory. Friday nights are reserved for the adult crowd, including those who just experienced our lecture series, and want to see perhaps some of the principles heard put into practice. Saturday night is family night with children of all ages experiencing the moon, planets, stellar clusters and nebulae. A marshmallow roast and small demonstrations introducing families to Science Academy take place simultaneously.
Solar Viewing
Our parent star takes the stage during this time. Visitors are able to see, with their own eyes, any sizable sunspots or flares occuring. Free literature on solar power and UV proctection and free (while supplies last) sunscreen are available.
July 25 + Aug. 29 + Sept. 26 + Oct. 24 + Nov. 28 + Dec. 26 / noon-2 p.m.
Plus Night
Get something extra beyond standard viewing: sky tours, physical science demos, “birth” stars and a marshmallow roast. Each Plus Night has a unique theme.
July 18 + Aug. 15 + Sept. 12 + Nov. 14 / 7-10 p.m.
The observatory often opens its doors for celestial events such as eclipses or meteor showers. Groups are invited to schedule a field trip or inquire about our other events, camps and programs. For more information about programs and events, contact Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road, at 225-768-9948, or email at observatory@brec.org.
