Stargaze In The Meadowlands On Wednesday Nights This Fall

LYNDHURST, NJ — The Meadowlands becomes stargazing central every Wednesday evening, when visitors can view the solar system at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority William D. McDowell Observatory.

This is at NJSEA headquarters at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. They have a research-grade telescope that can view celestial objects millions of miles away, including the moon, planets, stars and galaxies.

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It is free to attend and use the telescope, which again is research-grade. This is offered through a partnership with Bergen County Community College.

Observatory hours vary by season. It is open to the public on Wednesday evenings: September and October hours are 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; November and December hours are 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturn, Neptune, the moon, and various star clusters and galaxies will be visible.

Viewing sessions, for ages 10 and up, are subject to weather conditions. Please call the Observatory Hotline each Wednesday at 201-460-4001 for operating status. Visiting the Observatory is free of charge and advance sign-up is not necessary. For information on planning your visit, go to www.njsea.com/observatory.

The Observatory is located at 3 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, N.J.

The classical Cassegrain telescope is housed within a six-meter, rotating, retractable dome. Participants waiting to enter the Observatory first talk to staff and volunteers in a classroom setting. The Observatory team discusses the telescope; various aspects of astronomy and the specific celestial objects guests will soon view. Those with mobility challenges can view what is being seen through the telescope on a projector screen in a ground-floor classroom.

"The William D. McDowell Observatory is a tremendous public resource that offers an opportunity to explore the vast wonders of the night sky throughout the year," said Jill Hirsch, President and CEO of the NJSEA. "Whether you are looking to observe the rings of Saturn, craters on the Moon or distant galaxies, our expert-led viewing sessions offer an educational and awe-inspiring experience."

The William D. McDowell Observatory is an NJSEA facility operated through an agreement with Bergen Community College.