Osten Observatory Announces 2018 Open House Schedule

Osten Observatory announced their first open house of the academic year will be 8:30-10 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, on Concordia’s campus.

Additionally, the schedule for the 2018-19 academic year has been released with multiple opportunities for viewing on the first Thursday of the month during the fall and the second Thursday of the month in the spring. Viewings include:

8-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018; 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018; 8-9:30 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 14, 2019; 8:30-10 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2019; 9-10:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2019.

“For the September open house, it’s a big night for planets,” said Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics and director of Osten Observatory. “We will be able to see Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. We may also look at a pretty double star and a dying star.”

Dr. Hermann will provide a brief explanation of each object and will answer questions from attendees. There is no set program and 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.