June 11, June 18 and July 2, 2003

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.