Space Exploration Lab
The Space Exploration Lab gives patrons the ability to remotely operate a telescope in Spain and capture images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-space objects. This one-of-a-kind experience is available only at Westlake Porter Public Library.
This new space was made possible through our partnership with the Great Lakes Astrophotography Society (GLAS). GLAS brings expert guidance, educational opportunities, and community engagement that make space exploration more accessible and meaningful for patrons.
Mission Control
The mission control has four wall monitors where patrons can see the telescope status, current moon phase, upcoming space objects, and a gallery of captured images which will be looped.
- Current moon phase: Tells the phase of the moon, moonrise, moonset, and when the next full moon is.
- Telescope Status: Tells when the telescope is online or offline depending on the time of the day. It also shows current cloud cover and the telescope’s local time so patrons know when it’s available. Depending on darkness and weather. It goes online when it gets dark in Spain.
- Upcoming Space Objects: Things that you can potentially see through the telescope and they will depend on time of the year. They may be able to see nebula, galaxies and other deep space objects.
Mission control has two dedicated computers that give patrons hands-on access to professional astronomy software, interactive NASA and ESA applications, and spaceflight simulators. Guests can explore the solar system in 3D, track the International Space Station, view upcoming rocket launches, monitor space weather, process real telescope images, and e
Reservation Information
A reservation must be made in advance from home or with staff help at the library via the GLAS website at
www.greatlakesastro.org/observatory.
All reservations are one-hour increments.
Use the booking calendar to choose date/time for an appointment with the telescope. Scroll down on the website to use the button “Book Library Slot.”
Enter your email address and a 6-digit passcode to use to start their session at the library. Please note: staff will not have access to your passcode.
You will receive a confirmation email and an email from GLAS 30 minutes before your scheduled reservation time to confirm the roof is open and can continue your appointment or if you will need reschedule.
Patrons must physically be in the library to log into the telescope session. Check in at any service desk upon arrival.