May Open House: Saturday 5/11.  Cancelled due to rain.

 Check this page for info on a possible viewing session next week, after the skies clear.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Jupiter;  Saturn; Globular Cluster M15; Orion Nebula; Star Cluster M34

Telescope Viewing by Appointment:  For students and visitors, Monday through Friday.  See info below to make arrangements to visit the dome and use the telescope(s).

Outside viewing platform open anytime campus is open.  Bring your telescope/binoculars/eyes.  See contact below for more info.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions, see below.

See Sign-Up instructions below.

VISITORS:

Please arrive before 10 pm.

Follow signs to parking and observatory.

See map below.

Campus Map

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Images from

Venus Transit 6-5-2012

Off

(West of LRC)

4/9

4/19

4/13

2/11 - 2/25

3/13 - 3/27

4/11 - 4/25

5/12-5/25

with the Celestron 14" SCT

3/25

Returns in June

Returns 4/30

Visible until 5/15

Visible until 2/21

Not visible this Spring

Too dim for us!

Orion Nebula:  until 4/30

Select a date you would like to use the telescope. (Try to anticipate clear skies.)  Then, at least two days in advance:

•  Email a request to dpenly@gpc.edu.  Indicate the date you would like to observe, and what you would like to do. (For example: general viewing; imaging; photometry; etc.)
•  Or use the sign up sheets outside room NC 1320 (Astronomy Lab). 

 If there are no conflicts, your chosen date will be put on the observing schedule.  Check this site or the observing status sheet outside the lab room. 

3

4

Show up at the posted site and time.  Night observing generally starts 45 minutes to an hour after sunset - see the Status box, above.  Dress warm!  Daytime observing (e.g. for sunspots) can be arranged also.

1.  Please pay attention to the Dome Operator at all times.  Be aware that the dome is a machine, not a building.

2.  Entry is through the door when the Dome is in the home position only.

3.  Only the Dome Operator may open the door.  This is important!

4.  No running or other horseplay.

5.  When inside the dome, keep away from the wall (1 foot), and the telescope when it is slewing.  Both the dome and the telescope rotate as we look at different regions of the sky. Both have powerful motors.  Do not lean against the wall.  Do not turn your back on the telescope. Pay attention to what is going on, as you are likely to get disoriented as the dome and telescope rotate.  This means you should limit any cell-phone conversations to the bare necessities (say, 15 seconds).  Sorry, but if you need to chat, you should not be inside the dome.

6. Please do not pick up or disturb any items or equipment unless invited to do so by the Dome Operator.

7. Please park in the parking lots.