THE NIGHT SKY HOLDS a vastness that makes me feel small. It’s mysterious and dark and, in some ways, intimidating. Yet, it possesses an alluring beauty that draws me to gaze heavenward. To imagine. To delight. To stand in awe of its infinity.
Fascination with the night sky seems universal. Kids, like my kindergartner grandson and, years ago, my own son, fixated on the solar system and all the night sky encompasses. I, too, find it interesting, although not to the degree of learning everything I can about the expanse above me.
Rather, if I learn of a newsworthy event in the night sky, I may step out after dark to look. Right now, that’s a seven-unit “planet parade” of Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn visible to the naked eye after sunset and Uranus and Neptune visible via a visual aid.
All of this reminds me of a cosmic discovery I made this past fall while on the back roads to Morris in far western Minnesota. In the small town of Cosmos, population around 500, in southwestern Meeker County, I discovered a unique space-themed water tower and community event, the Cosmos Space Festival.
With a town name like Cosmos (originally called Nelson), it should come as no surprise that the community would build on the Greek word meaning “order and harmony.” The cosmic focus makes this place along Minnesota State Highways 7 and 4 stand out among all the other little towns in this part of the state. When I spotted the water tower with a space shuttle, planets, stars and more painted on its underbelly, I immediately wanted to stop and photograph this work of art, this town identifier.
In the process, I discovered that all the streets are named after planets and constellations and that the town celebrates the Cosmos Space Festival annually on the third weekend of July. That started in 1969 as a celebration of man’s (Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in Apollo 11) first moon landing. I’m old enough to have watched that monumental moment in history on a black-and-white television.
The Cosmos space fest has been going strong ever since, marking its 57th year on July 17-20, 2025. The festival features your usual small town celebration activities like street dances, softball tournaments, city-wide garage sales, a hog roast, pedal tractor pull, pony rides, beer garden, fireworks, parade and much more. That includes the crowning of fest royalty—Little Miss Universe and Man on the Moon. Gotta love those cosmic titles.
And you gotta love how kids (and adults) get excited about the night sky. Locally, River Bend Nature Center is hosting its annual Minnesota Starwatch Party from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, with retired meteorologist, amateur astronomer, stargazing columnist and author Mike Lynch. I attended the starwatch party with my husband and son many years ago. Lynch brings telescopes and vast knowledge, so this is a hands-on educational program.
Another opportunity to view the night sky through telescopes happens more frequently, from 8-10 p.m. the first Friday of every month inside and outside Goodsell Observatory on the campus of Carleton College in neighboring Northfield. I’ve been to this free monthly activity twice, again years ago with my husband and son. The next open house is on Friday, March 7. But only if the night sky is clear for viewing.
Whatever your interest level in the night sky, it’s fascinating. Vast. Dark. The subject of poetry and song and science. And above all, it’s a cosmic wonder, whether viewed from Cosmos, Faribault, Northfield or your little place in the big wide universe.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
that’s so cool that you discovered the waterpower art in cosmos, and you’re right, mankind has been fascinated by space forever, and the wonder never ends. just like your grandson, the fascination and awe begin early.
I expect you observed a lot of that awe while working with little people.
yes, and one of the many things I love about little people
Love this post! I had to go look up Cosmos, Minnesota, since I was completely unaware of its existence until now. I, too, love looking at the night sky, but living in the metro area means I have to drive a bit to see anything truly spectacular. I never tire of looking up!
I was familiar with Cosmos, just had never been there. I’m happy to introduce you to a new (to you) place in rural Minnesota. I miss the starry skies of the southwestern Minnesota prairie. There’s nothing quite like that vast darkness pricked with endless stars.
I love the painting on the water tower in Cosmos! Clever.
We have enjoyed looking through the Goodsell Observatory’s amazing telescope.
Thank you for appreciating the Cosmos water tower. I wondered if you’d been to the Goodsell Observatory. I think a lot of people are unaware that this is open to the public once a month.
Cosmos sounds like an interesting town. Like most folks, I love looking at the night sky. Your list of fun events would all be neat to attend.🌟🌠
I think you would appreciate Cosmos, Rose. And, yes, looking at the night sky seems to be a universal source of enjoyment.
that is the best water tower I’ve seen! My kids would love it. I have yet to go out side to try to see this sight. I was in bed at 7:30 last night. Our dog gets up at 4:30 am. I can’t wait until the time changes back so she will sleep until 5:30 or 6!
It is a cool water tower for sure. That’s too early for your dog to awaken.