So, how did a nearly 900-pound telescope end up on the UMKC campus?
Stan Warkoczewski, a passionate amateur astronomer, spent nearly a decade and $15,000 in the 1950s building a custom-built telescope as a gift for his wife, Helen. The 8-foot-long, 16-inch diameter, 900-pound custom-built telescope lived in their backyard until the couple donated it to UMKC in 1964. A decade later, it found a permanent home on the rooftop of Royall Hall, where it has remained for over 50 years.
Today, the Warkoczewski Observatory, known as the Warko, is one of only two major public observatories in the Kansas City region. Operated by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, one of the largest astronomical societies in the country, the Warko is open to the public on clear Friday evenings from May to October, starting at dusk for stargazing and solar viewing.
The observatory’s instruments include:
- Custom-built 16” Warkoczewski Telescope
- Meade 10” and 14” LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain computerized telescopes
- Coronado PST Solar Telescope
- 80mm refracting telescope with Daystar “Quark” Hydrogen Alpha filter
Volunteers operate the observatory, offering educational programs and guided telescope viewing of celestial wonders like the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and deep-space objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula.
Joseph Wright, operations manager for the Warkoczewski Observatory, oversees the weekly free public observing. Wright organizes a team of volunteers to operate the observatory, offering educational programs and guided telescope viewings.
“Wright has been a steadfast public astronomy educator for two decades,” said Daniel McIntosh, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy. “His passion for sharing the wonders of the universe through telescopes is unmatched in my 18 years as a science professor and professional astronomer. He has volunteered countless hours and has created unforgettable experiences for our community, such as hosting rare celestial events like the Venus transit that drew hundreds to Warko. Joe has impacted tens of thousands of visitors to the Warko over the last 20 years and has made a remarkable legacy of his service to his community, all based solely on his love for astronomy.”
Wright was recently recognized for his services in bringing the cosmos to Kansas City for more than 20 years.
“Receiving recognition from UMKC and ASKC came as a surprise. I was being recognized for something I enjoyed doing,” Wright said. “The Warko became a magical place—a family-friendly spot to share the wonders of the universe with visitors from Kansas City and beyond.”
Over the years, Wright and his team have shared unforgettable sights with thousands of visitors. The observatory has also been the backdrop for special moments.
"We've celebrated weddings, anniversaries, several proposals and many date nights at the observatory,” Wright said. "We hosted David H. Levy, Ph.D., famed astronomer and comet discoverer. We’ve also organized observation events on the top level of the Rockhill parking garage, accompanied by live music from UMKC Conservatory students.”
Wright credits his wife and volunteers for making the observatory a success.
“I could not have achieved much of this without my wife, Rita, helping me," said Wright. "Nor could the success of the observatory happen without a remarkable group of staff astronomers volunteering on a lot of Friday nights and at special events. None of it would have been possible on my own.”
Although the Warko is closed for the 2025 season, keep an eye out on their Facebook page for special viewing events and for 2026 season dates.
