Information about FSU Astronomy Open House Events
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The FSU Astronomy Program
frequently invites the public to join us.
Special Events
The public is invited
to join the FSU Astronomy Program
to observe special astronomical occurances. These opportunities
will be described here with as much lead time as possible.
Our Next Open House Event
The next Open House Event will occur on
Tuesday, 9/30/08.
Public Observance of the Arrival of the Shawwal Moon
Friday,
Tuesday, 9/30/08 - Public Observance of the Arrival of the Shawwal Moon (ending the Ramadan Fast).
Planetarium program on "Observing the Moon in Support of Lunar Calendars",
6:00 - 6:45 pm
Observatory Open House (if the sky is clear): 6:45 - 9:00
If it is very clear, we expect to be able to see the Shawwal cresent Moon
sometime after Sunset (at 6:59) and before Moonset (at 7:24).
If the sky is clear, we will also observe Venus, Jupiter, and the Andromeda
Galaxy.
Pending Open House Events
Specifics about future Open House Events are given here.
FSU Astronomy Open House Events are tentatively scheduled for the
following:
This page will be updated frequently with more detailed
information about pending events - we suggest that you
visit this page frequently!
FSU Astronomy Open House Events - Some Details
Support for scouting groups will be available during these
events - see our
Scouting information page.
Events usually begin with a planetarium show
These events usually begin with a show in the
FSU Planetarium.
Here is
information about visiting the Planetarium.
If the sky is clear
If the sky is clear,
the Planetarium show is followed by
public viewing at the
FSU Observatory.
Here is
information about visiting the Observatory.
We will sometimes arrange for the public to have supervised
access to the roof of the Lyons Science Building.
Members of the
Sandhills Astronomical Society
will be invited to be on hand - especially during the later
portion of the public observing session.
They will answer questions about taking up astronomy as a hobby,
and will assist the public in the use of telescopes. You are invited to bring a telescope - especially if
you'd like help learning to operate it.
It is expected that members of the Society
will stay beyond the end of the public observing session for further
observing, and
an exchange of information.
If the sky is not clear
If there is sufficient interest,
the FSU Observatory will be open for inspection at the end of
the Planetarium Show. If it is not raining, the public will be
invited to view a Fayetteville landmark (e.g., the antennae atop
the Systel Building) through our telescopes.
If anyone has been excluded from the 6:00 pm Planetarium Show because of
lack of seating, there will be a reprise of the Planetarium Show at 7:00 pm.
At 8:00 pm, there will sometimes be a presentation in the planetarium appropriate
for both aspiring and accomplished amateur astronomers. Or, perhaps
if a quorum is present,
a business meeting of the Sandhills Astronomical Society.