Osten Observatory hosts four open houses at Concordia

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 10 years ago on Mon, Mar 24, 2014 9:48 AM

The moon, Jupiter and the Orion Nebula, among other celestial objects, were the highlights of four open houses at the Osten Observatory at Concordia April 6-9.

Led by Professor of Physics Dr. Robert Hermann, visitors were able to view a number of celestial objects through Concordia’s computer-controlled telescope. Hermann shared a brief explanation of each item, and visitors asked questions. Viewing all objects took approximately 15 minutes.

Through Concordia’s telescope, the details of Earth’s moon can be seen clearly, and Jupiter and its moons are also visible in the night sky. Viewers looked at the Great Orion Nebula, a region where new stars are forming, and a star cluster full of several thousand stars.

The observatory is located at the northeast corner of campus along East Hillcrest Drive in Seward. The observatory and telescope were gifted to Concordia in 2002 by 1933 alumnus Reuben Osten and his wife, Doris.