Free Star Gazing at MVCC

The recently sighted meteor sent me to the Moraine Valley Community College Observatory website. To my delight, the observatory's open viewing nights for 2012 were posted.

The observatory is in the prairie near 107th and Kean Avenue. The first time I tried to get to the observatory, I parked on Kean Avenue. I could hear voices in the prairie, but couldn't find my way to the observatory. It's an observatory so, of course, it needs to be away from all the lights. Still, I started feeling a little strange walking through the tall prairie grasses at night when I didn't know where I was going. I came back another day and walked the path during the daylight. Armed with my new confidence my next visit was easier to navigate.

The people at the observatory were delightful. From the staff to the other amateur astronomers it was an interesting group willing to help newcomers appreciate the beauty of the sky. After speaking with them I wanted to learn more.

The viewings are free. At a time when many people are trying to figure out how to best spend their resources (both time and money) the observatory is a great way to introduce your family to the beauty of the sky. It's delightfully small and easy to appreciate.

According to the website, the open viewings are held at the G. Jack Bradley Memorial Observation Deck in the Nature Study Area located at the far western end of campus. The 2012 dates are

April 27, 8 p.m.
May 25, 8:30 p.m.
June 29, 8:30 p.m.
July 27, 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the telescope viewing, contact College and Community Relations at (708) 974-5375. 

Open viewing nights are a regional treasure. The first one is next Friday night. Make plans this week to walk the path from the parking lot to the observatory so you don't make the same mistake I did on my first visit.