Brooks Astronomical Observatory to hold open house Oct. 16
Community members are invited to learn about astronomy Oct. 16 on the roof of Brooks Hall
As part of a tradition that started in 1976, the Brooks Astronomical Observatory will be open to the Mount Pleasant community for a chance to gaze into the cosmos.
The open house will be from 8-10 p.m. on Oct. 16 on the roof of Brooks Hall.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to see the research area and the observatory, which faculty and students use to probe deeper into space. Groups will be guided through a tour to see all the instruments used in the research area, and will see the $100,000 computer-controlled classical Newtonian/Cassegrain telescope in the observatory’s dome.
Director for the Brooks Astronomical Observatory and physics faculty member Aaron LaCluyze will be there, along with other astronomers, to answer any questions regarding the observatory and astronomy.
LaCluyze believes this is a great opportunity for the public to see through a true research-grade telescope. "Through (the telescope), you can experience some of the most beautiful wonders of the cosmos that you may never had known were there, and the only thing it will cost you is some of your time," LaCluyze said.
The open house will take place despite cloud cover or rain. In the event of rain, the dome will be closed, but the public will still be able to see the large telescope along with the observatory's smaller ones. For a larger attendance, the observation deck will be opened for attendees to look through smaller telescopes.
The open house takes place monthly and is free and open to the public. The last open house for the semester will be held Nov. 14.
