Friday, April 12, 2024

Observatory night for Friday 12-Apr-2024 Cancelled due to Clouds

The forecast tonight is for overcast skies. I am therefore so very sorry to have to cancel the observatory night this evening.

Please note that if it's sunny on 21 April, we will open for solar observing as part of Rockville Science Day. More information about this event can be found by visiting https://www.rockvillesciencecenter.org/rockville-science-day.

Wishing everyone a lovely Friday night and delightful weekend. I hope to see you again soon at the observatory, or at another astronomy event!

Monday, April 8, 2024

Happy Eclipse Day!

Greetings from Buffalo, NY! I've been getting a few phone calls and emails asking about eclipse events at Montgomery College. Alas, I decided to travel to the path of totality for this one, so I am unable to host a viewing today. Nevertheless, if the skies are clear this afternoon in Maryland, I encourage you to grab your eclipse glasses and head outside.

The eclipse will begin at 2:04 pm, and maximum will occur at 3:20 pm. The whole thing will be over at 4:32 pm. This will be a really nice partial, with 87% of the Sun covered by the Moon. When it's near maximum, have a look at the shadows, they will be interesting! Be safe and don't look at the Sun unless you have approved glasses. :)

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Observatory Night Schedule for Spring 2024

Observatory Nights are back for Spring 2024!

Friday 12 Apr | 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Friday 26 Apr | 8:30 - 9:30 PM

Friday 10 May | 9:00 - 10:00 PM
Friday 24 May | 9:00 - 10:00 PM

Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, we require guests to make reservations via Eventbrite.

Reservations can be made here:
https://mcobservatory-spring2024.eventbrite.com.


Events will be cancelled for bad weather. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.


About the Guest Nights:

During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.

You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.

Some things to note:

  • Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.
  • We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.
  • Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.
  • Parking is free.

I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.