Public star-gazing sessions begin at Fredonia Science Center observatory

The observatory atop the Science Center at Fredonia will treat visitors to free celestial shows on Wednesdays, beginning April 5. Tours of the night sky and multiple opportunities to gaze at celestial objects through the telescope will be offered at public observing sessions that the Department of Physics is hosting each week.

The observatory is equipped with a 17-inch PlaneWave telescope to provide education and outreach opportunities to campus and community members.

Two viewings, each lasting approximately two hours, have been scheduled on Wednesdays for up to 10 people per session due to space limitations. A reservation system has been set up to ensure adequate space for all guests in the observatory. Reservations are required and can be placed via a link to a Google Drive sign-up sheet.

The signup sheet should be consulted by 5 p.m. on the day of a public viewing to see if it has been canceled due to inclement weather. The observatory Facebook page can also be checked for weather cancellations. Specific start times of each session will vary and depend on the time of sunset.

Public viewings will tentatively continue through Nov. 1.

The observatory, located on the roof of the Science Center, is easily accessible from the elevator, on the east end of the building, which leads to the penthouse. The observatory is open to the elements, so guests should dress accordingly.

For more information or to schedule a private session, contact Michael Dunham, observatory director and physics assistant professor, via email.