DSU To Open Its Observatory To The Public This Weekend

Delaware State University Observatory will hold an Observatory Open House beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5, during which the public will be able to view out into the far reaches of outer space. Weather permitting, attendees will be able to view the planets and stars through Observatory’s Mead telescope.

The event will begin with an astronomy presentation in Room 223 of the Mishoe Science Center (South). Afterward, as darkness descends, the public will be able to climb up to the University’s Astronomical Observatory and, weather permitting, look through the telescope.

The Observatory has a 14-inch Meade reflecting telescope that will enable members of the public to see such solar systems sites as far as Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its rings, craters on the moon, as well as a host of other celestial objects as time permits.

While the presentation will be accessible to all via an elevator to the Mishoe Science Center second floor, it should be noted that climbing stairs will be necessary to reach the Observatory telescope.

In the event that cloud cover prevents the telescope viewing portion, attendees will still be taken up to the observatory where they can at least see the telescope.

Public participants must provide proof of a negative COVID test result within seven days of the event or show proof of vaccination. All attendees must wear masks during the entire event.

Attendees should park in Lot 12, located between the Price Building and the Mishoe Science Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

Source: DSU