The College of Charleston Observatory (58 Coming Street) will be open to the public on Friday, October 19, 2012 from 8:00 until 9:30 p.m. There is no cost for this event and children are welcome.
Stargazers will be able to see the Moon early, but it will set during the event. Astronomy Professor Laura Penny it may be possible to see Uranus in the 16-inch telescope and observers will probably see some nebulae and double stars.
Astronomers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy will be manning four eight-inch telescopes and the 16-inch telescope in the observatory dome. They will be able to answer any questions observers have while gazing.
Stargazers should enter the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center (58 Coming Street) through the Coming Street entrance and check in with the Society of Physics Students host, who will direct you to the location of the indoor and outdoor activities. Please note open-toe shoes are not permitted on the observing deck and if you plan to bring a large group (10 or more), or if you will need special accommodations, please contact Chris True at truec@cofc.edu or 843-953-2031.
Further information and last-minute weather alerts.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy will hold several more open houses at the Observatory, however as the sunset times change, the times for this event will also change.
