August 1, 2001

Contact:

Sarah Ray

802-443-5794

sray@middlebury.edu

Posted: August 1, 2001

MIDDLEBURY,

VT - On two Wednesday evenings-Aug. 8 and 15-from 9 p.m.

to 10:30 p.m., Middlebury College will again offer

stargazing from Bicentennial Hall’s rooftop observatory,

weather permitting. There is no set program; the public is

invited at any time during these hours. The observatory dome

houses a 24-inch computer-controlled telescope, and several

smaller telescopes will be available on the roof deck for

observing the night sky. The Middlebury College physics

department sponsors the ongoing summer observatory series,

which began in July and continues this month. Admission is

free.

Since

cloud cover obscures visibility, the open house nights will

take place only if the sky is reasonably clear. If the

weather appears uncertain, check with the observatory at

802-443-2266 after 6 p.m. on the evening of an open house

for a status report.

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 Bicentennial Hall. Enter the building and take the

elevators to the top floor, following the signs.