The Moon and the Orion nebula will be among the objects visible for public observing each night March 19-22 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Osten Observatory near Concordia’s campus.
“The Moon is always spectacular to see through a telescope,” said Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics. “The Orion nebula is a place where new stars are being formed, and it’s very interesting to see the new stars and the gas they formed from together in the same view.”
Dr. Hermann will provide a brief explanation of each object and will answer questions from attendees. There is no set program and the objects visible for observing are the same each night. Visitors are urged to check the weather before they arrive as it can change quickly. If the sky is cloudy, or if it is very windy at the time the observatory is scheduled to open, the viewing will be cancelled for the night.
The observatory is located on the northeast corner of Concordia’s campus on East Hill Crest Drive in Seward. Visitors should be prepared to walk across a short length of field as the path to the observatory is not paved. There is also a step up to be able to reach the telescope. There is no charge for admission.
