Observatory Opens for Public Viewing
The University of West Georgia’s observatory will open its doors to the public for a viewing of the celestial skies at 9:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 28.
The West Georgia Observatory, located off Plant Op Drive on the UWG campus, will be open to the public once a month through May when the skies are clear. The observatory features a Cassegrain reflecting telescope with a mirror whose diameter is 14 inches.
Stargazers will be treated to spectacular views of stars, moons and planets, but rumors of Mars having another close encounter with the earth are not true, according to Dr. Bob Powell, director of the observatory and professor and chair of the Department of Physics.
“Both Mars and the Earth orbit the Sun in elliptical orbits,” said Powell. “They are relatively close to each other when Mars is at its closest point to the sun, which occurs about every two years. This month, Mars will be more distant from the earth than the sun. But, everyone is invited to come to the observatory to enjoy other celestial objects.”
The community is invited to the viewings, which are free and scheduled on the following dates:
* Aug. 28, 9:30 - 10:30 p.m.
* Sept. 25, 9 – 10 p.m.
* Oct. 30, 7 – 8 p.m.
* Nov. 27, 7 – 8 p.m.
* Dec. 11, 7 – 8 p.m.
* Jan. 22, 7 – 8 p.m.
* Feb. 26, 7 – 8 p.m.
* March 12, 8 – 9 p.m.
* April 23, 9 –10 p.m.
* May 1, 9 – 10 p.m.
For more information or to schedule a special viewing for a group or organization, call Powell 678-839-4095 or send an e-mail to bpowell@westga.edu.
