OXFORD, Miss. – A close-up look at the planets and beyond is offered amateur stargazers and other interested people Friday night (Dec. 5) during an open house at the University of Mississippi’s Kennon Observatory.
The viewing, from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m., is to look at Venus, Jupiter and Uranus using several of the university’s telescopes. Later in the evening, enthusiasts will be treated to views of the moon, the Pleiades, a few colorful double stars and star clusters, and the Andromeda galaxy. The event is free, and families with children are especially welcome.
Tibor Torma, director of the observatory and assistant professor of physics and astronomy, encourages people to come to the event, which is held six or seven times a year.
“I strongly suggest to come early,” Torma said. “The main attraction is Venus and Jupiter, and they go down quickly, getting hazier by the minute.”
The observation is possible only if weather permits. The forecast calls for freezing temperatures, so Torma encourages visitors to dress warmly. If the sky is cloudy, faculty members from the Department of Astronomy and Physics will present physics demonstrations in Lewis Hall.
For more information or for assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7032. For more information on the physics and astronomy program at UM, go to www.phy.olemiss.edu.