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- This event has passed.
Family Star Party
January 22, 2016, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
FreePostponed from January 15, due to cloud cover
Patrons of Winslow and Waterville Public Libraries are invited to Colby College’s Collins Observatory for a night of stargazing. This family- friendly program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a brief introduction from Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Astronomy, Elizabeth McGrath.
Weather permitting, we will view a number of interesting astronomical objects using the automated 14" Collins telescope, as well as some smaller portable telescopes. Celestial objects visible this night include the moon, the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, the Crab Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy. There is a heated classroom adjacent to the dome where hot cocoa and cookies will be served between viewings. Dress warmly, as the observatory dome is unheated.
If it is rainy, snowy, or cloudy, the event will be re-scheduled. If you are outside and can see stars, then you can expect the event to be on. There will be a message on the observatory voicemail (859-5878) by 3:00 that afternoon. Patrons can also contact Winslow Public Library at 872-1978 or the Waterville Public Library at 872-5433. The two libraries will introduce their newly acquired Cornerstones of Science telescopes at the star party.
Directions:
The observatory is #44 on the Colby Campus map. (Hard copies are available at each library.) Park at the nearby Alfond parking area, adjacent to the Harold and Bibby Alfond Residence Complex which is #2 on the map. From the top of that parking lot, there is a paved road on the right that goes past an iron gate and up to the observatory.