MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - On Friday evening, Oct. 12, from 7:30-9 p.m., the Middlebury College Physics Department will host a fall open house night at McCardell Bicentennial Hall’s rooftop observatory, weather permitting. There is no set program; the public is invited to come anytime during these hours. Admission is free.

According to Middlebury College Professor of Physics Frank Winkler, since there will be no moon on that evening, there should be a good view of faint objects such as nebulae and star clusters through the 24-inch computer-controlled telescope in the observatory dome and through several smaller telescopes on the roof observing deck.  The planet Jupiter and its moons should also be visible low in the southwest.

Since cloud cover obscures visibility, the open house will take place only if the sky is reasonably clear. If the weather appears uncertain, call the observatory at 802-443-2266 after 6 p.m. on the evening of the open house for a status report.

McCardell Bicentennial Hall is located on Bicentennial Way on the western edge of the Middlebury College campus. Visitors should follow Route 125 West from the village center through the campus. Bicentennial Way, which is the second right after the flashing light at the crest of the hill, leads to a parking lot and McCardell Bicentennial Hall. Enter the building and take the elevators to the top floor, following the signs.