Contact: Sarah Ray
802-443-5794
sray@middlebury.edu
Posted: May 29, 2003

MIDDLEBURY,
Vt.—On three Wednesday evenings—June 11, June 18 and July
2— from 9-10:30 p.m., the Middlebury College Physics Department
will offer stargazing from 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.

The observatory dome houses a 24-inch computer-controlled telescope, and
several smaller telescopes also will be available on the roof deck for
viewing the night sky, which will include the bright planet Jupiter.

Since cloud cover obscures visibility, the open house nights 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.

Bicentennial Hall is located on Bicentennial Way on the western edge of
the Middlebury College campus. Visitors should follow state 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.