FALL 2011 Astronomy Observing Sessions

There will be a number of informal night sky observing sessions scheduled this semester. Attendance at these sessions is open to all students, faculty, staff and the interested public. The primary telescope used in the observatory atop the pier is the new 0.8m (~32") Ritchey-Chretien telescope. There is a 12 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope used on the patio that provides good views of the sky as well. We still possess the 6" refractor originally built by GMU students in 1975 (it is on display in the glass alcove).

Please note that the observing session will be canceled if the sky is more than half overcast one hour before the session is scheduled to begin, or if it is too windy (>30mph) to open the observatory dome. If in doubt, check weather forecast here or here, and check the Clear Sky Chart for the area and check back on this webpage before scheduled observing sessions.

The location of the observing sessions is the observatory at Research 1. Access to the observatory is limited. Guests will be met in Research 1 lobby by the main elevators. If you are late, you can stay by the elvators and someone will meet you, after you call the observatory at 703-993-9558 and have been acknowledged by observatory personnel. The observing sessions will begin near the times indicated below and will last approximately 1.5 hours weather permitting. 

NOTE: The observatory deck has very rough flooring. Guests are advised to WEAR ONLY CLOSED TOED SHOES. NO SANDALS or other open toed shoes. 
The sessions are currently scheduled for specific MONDAY EVENINGS. PLEASE NOTE: There will be construction during the FALL 2011 semester, and that this WILL EFFECT THE OBSERVING SCHEDULE, whenever it does occur. To learn more about the observatory visit the observatory website.

Observing Session Schedule:

Remember: Check here about 1 hour before coming to Research Hall in the event of clouds/rain/other reasons for cancellation.

• Monday 29 August 2011: CANCELED.
• Monday 12 September 2011: ~60 guests enjoyed semi-clear sky conditions viewing objects like Mizar, M13 and of course the full Moon. Observing was done using both our new 32-inch diameter Ritchey-Chretien and our old 12-inch diameter Schmidt-Cassegrain.
• Monday 26 September 2011: CANCELED
• Monday 3 October 2011: CANCELED - sorry, no let up in the cloud cover expected through tonight...
• Monday 17 October 2011: ~7:30 PM.
• Monday 31 October 2011: ~7:30 PM.
• Monday 14 November 2011: ~6:00 PM.
• Monday 28 November 2011: ~5:45 PM.
• Monday 5 December 2011: ~5:30 PM.

--Physics.GMU.edu