Information about FSU Astronomy Open House Events

This page is updated frequently - please reload your browser to insure you have the latest version.

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.