Osten Observatory to host open houses

The Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy will be just two of the sights visitors to the Osten Observatory on the Concordia campus could see during the two evenings this fall the observatory will be open to the public. Open houses will be Oct. 6 and Nov. 3.

On Thursday, Oct. 6, observers are welcome to the Osten from 8-9:30 p.m. They should be able to see the Moon and the nearby Andromeda Galaxy, as well as a double star, star cluster and the Ring Nebula.

The Osten Observatory will again be open on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 8-9:30 p.m. for guests to view Jupiter as well as the other cosmic sights.

There is no formal program or schedule for the free events.  “Guests can come any time while the observatory is open. We usually look at three to five objects,” said Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics and director of the observatory.  “The whole cycle takes 15-30 minutes, but guests are welcome to stay as long as they like.”

If weather obscures the sky at the starting time, the viewing will be cancelled. The observatory is at the northeast corner of campus along East Hillcrest Drive.