KOKOMO, Ind. —Learn the latest news from the American Astronomical Society at the first Indiana University Kokomo Observatory open house of 2018.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, January 14, Patrick Motl will share updates he gathered from attending the 231st meeting, in Washington, D.C., before leading viewing through the Observatory’s telescopes.
While there won’t be planets or the moon visible, the Orion nebula will be a highlight, said Motl, associate professor of physics.
“This is one of the closest star forming regions to our solar system and arguably the best deep sky objects for observers in the northern hemisphere,” he said, adding that stargazers may also view the color contrast double star gamma Andromedae, the crab nebula and numerous open clusters including the Pleiades.
The Observatory’s two telescopes, a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, and the 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope allows viewers to see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light collecting area.
Weather permitting, viewing will continue until 9 p.m.
All open houses are free and open to the public in the Observatory, 2660 South Washington Street. The next open house is from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, February 11. Free parking is available on campus.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.