Osten Observatory opens to public in mid-April

The sky is the limit for stargazers this spring as Concordia University, Nebraska’s Osten Observatory opens its doors to the public Sunday through Thursday, April 10-14, from 9 -10:30 p.m.

Star lovers should be able to see Saturn, a globular cluster of roughly half a million stars, the Orion Nebula and, if the sky is very clear, the Whirlpool Galaxy.

“It really is eye-opening to see with your own eyes things that you’ve seen in books or movies and objects that are very far away,” said Dr. Robert Hermann, professor of physics. “It gives a sense of perspective of the size and grandeur of the universe.”

Those heading to the observatory should check the weather first, according to Hermann. In the event of poor weather, the viewings will be cancelled for the evening.