In this episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Amy Oliver, Public Affairs Officer for the Whipple Observatory. Amy shares updates on the Observatory’s summer maintenance during monsoon season and previews exciting fall programming. She discusses the temporary closure of the Science Center for exhibit upgrades, the safety-driven policy of pausing telescope operations, and recent improvements including parking expansion and the first repainting of the MMT telescope structure in over 35 years.


Amy highlights upcoming educational opportunities—like tours for school groups, bird watchers, and hands-on science education. She also reflects on her recent trip to Chile as part of the Astronomy in Chile Education Ambassador program and her work with the Stars program, which brings telescopes to rural schools across the U.S.

The conversation also touches on efforts to reduce light pollution, protect dark skies, and educate the public about responsible outdoor lighting. Amy, who chairs the Outdoor Lighting Code Committee, encourages community involvement and shares her enthusiasm for the Observatory’s upcoming tours and improvements.