April 23, 1998

Middlebury College Celebrates National Astronomy
Day With an Observatory Open House Night

In celebration of National Astronomy Day, the Middlebury
College physics department will host an open house night at the
College’s observatory on Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 p.m. to 10
p.m., weather permitting. The observatory is located on the roof
of the Science on Storrs Avenue, which is off South Main Street
(Route 30). Visitors should enter the north door and follow signs
for the observatory. If cloudy skies indicate uncertain weather,
visitors may call the observatory at 802-443-2266 after
6 p.m. on May 2 for a status report. The event is free and open
to the public.

On May 2, the first-quarter moon will be prominent
in the evening sky, ideal conditions for viewing the heavens through
telescopes. As the sky darkens, far more distant stars and galaxies
should become visible.

The Middlebury College observatory is equipped with
a 16-inch computer-controlled telescope outfitted with an electronic
camera that can reveal objects far fainter than those that can
be seen with the human eye. In addition, several smaller telescopes
will be available for observing the night sky.