Public Stargazing

Are you interested in stargazing and looking at celestial objects through telescopes? Come check out the Department of Physics & Astronomy rooftop observatory during public stargazing sessions. The rooftop observatory includes a 0.5-meter research-grade telescope as well as smaller “amateur astronomer” telescopes, which you will be able to look through. You will also learn how to find major constellations and any planets currently visible. Stargazes take place on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building. The roof can be accessed by taking the elevator to the roof (press the “R” button in the elevator). Signs in the hallway will help direct you to the elevator. Do not use the stairs to go to the roof. The “R” button on the elevator will be unlocked at the start time of the stargaze session. If you arrive before it is unlocked, please wait on the first floor for the session to begin. It is recommended that you dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground. While on the roof for a stargaze, please refrain from talking on your cell phone so that you do not interrupt others or stop them from hearing what is being discussed. The use of phones for flash free pictures or astronomy apps is allowed. Please do not use the light on your phone, though, since dark adaptation is important for viewing the nighttime sky. Astronomical objects can only be seen when the sky is totally or mostly clear, therefore stargazing cannot be held unless the weather is clear. If it is snowing, raining, foggy, cloudy, or even partly cloudy, there will be no stargaze session that night. If you aren’t sure if the conditions will permit a stargaze session, you can call (419) 372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled that night. The message is set one hour before the scheduled start of the session. If you call earlier than one hour before the start time, you may receive an incorrect message. When you arrive on the roof and exit the elevator, you will be greeted by one of the stargaze personnel and directed to the various stations you can visit. If you are attending the stargaze for a general visit (rather than as part of an astronomy course), please let the greeter know. Weather permitting, stargazes will take place on: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from Sept. 4 through Oct. 2 at 9 p.m.Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from Oct. 6 through Nov. 6 at 8 p.m.In addition to the listed stargazing sessions, weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for stargazing following evening Planetarium shows.