First 2006 open house night scheduled July 20
MIDDLEBURY, Vt.—The physics department at Middlebury will sponsor open house nights during the summer of 2006 at the College's observatory, located atop McCardell Bicentennial Hall. The observatory will be open to the public for viewing the heavens from 9-10:30 p.m. each of those evenings, provided skies are clear.
The first open house for 2006 is Thursday, July 20, with two others now on the schedule for Wednesday, July 26, and Wednesday, August 2. Check the College's News & Events page for future open house dates. There is no set program for the open house nights; the public is invited at any time between 9 and 10:30.
The observatory dome houses a 24-inch computer-controlled telescope. In addition, several smaller telescopes will also be available on the roof deck for observing the night sky.
McCardell Bicentennial Hall is located on the western edge of the College campus. Follow Route 125 West from the village center, through the campus. About 0.1 mile past a flashing light at the crest of the hill, turn right onto Bicentennial Way, which leads to a parking lot. Enter the building and take the elevators to the top (seventh) floor.
These events are free and open to the public, but will take place only if the sky is at least mostly clear. If the weather appears uncertain, visitors may call the observatory at 443-2266 after 7 p.m. on the evening of an open house for a status report.