BEDFORD – The Bedford Parks Department will present a free program, “Stars and Stories at Otis Park,” on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
The one-hour program, focused on stars and constellations, will be held at the Otis Park Shelter House at the top of the hill above the golf course off Tunnelton Road.
Joachim Ladwig, an Astronomy Teacher at Bedford North Lawrence High School, will lead the program and share stories and information about the stars.
Attendees will enjoy a view of the countryside and skies over Lawrence County while hearing legends about the stars and their cultural significance. Ladwig will discuss the history of the Big Dipper, its role in the Underground Railroad, information about Polaris (the North Star), Jupiter, circumpolar constellations, and the lore of Orion and Scorpio.
The program is designed to be family-friendly and entertaining for all ages. Ladwig will use a telescope to observe stars and constellations, and attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars. He will also demonstrate how to use a phone app for constellation identification.
The shelter house venue is located by driving up Otis Park Road, past the clubhouse, to the stone shelter house at the top of the hill. In case of questionable weather, attendees can check the Bedford Park Department’s Facebook page for cancellation updates. The program’s later start time accommodates the visibility of the stars.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by April 28 by calling 812-275-5692 or emailing [email address removed].
The Bedford Park Department also announced its next program, “Prescribed Fire,” scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, at 6:00 p.m.. Kat Shay from Purdue University’s Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment will discuss the beneficial uses of fire. Sources and related content
