News 2019: UMass Dartmouth Observatory announces fall 2019 observation sessions

News 2019: UMass Dartmouth Observatory announces fall 2019 observation sessions
UMass Dartmouth Observatory announces fall 2019 observation sessions

The UMass Dartmouth Observatory invites the public to three night-sky viewing opportunities

Observatory at night
Photo from the collection of the Director of the UMass Dartmouth Observatory and Professor Alan Hirshfeld (Physics)

The UMass Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE) are pleased to invite the university community and the public to their free fall night-sky observation sessions at the campus observatory. Viewing will take place through the observatory's 16-inch telescope and other telescopes operated by ASSNE members. 

For fall 2019, the Observatory is scheduled to hold observation sessions on:

  • Saturday, October 5 - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 2 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7 - 7 p.m.

The UMass Dartmouth Observatory is located in the field to the right of the main campus entrance off 285 Old Westport Rd., Dartmouth. Parking is available in designated spaces on the campus Ring Road or in Lot 17. Admission is free. Children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.

Observation sessions only take place when weather permits (clear skies necessary). In the event of cancellation, an announcement will be available before each event at 5 p.m. on the ASSNE events page or by calling 508.999.8715 for a recorded message.

For more information about the observatory, including photos taken through the telescope – visit the observatory website.

The Astronomical Society of Southern New England is a non-profit club of amateur astronomers who serve Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts with educational outreach programs and public viewing. ASSNE assists UMass Dartmouth in operating the University Observatory and telescope for public viewings. The ASSNE motto is "To Educate and Inspire." For more information about the Astronomical Society of Southern New England, visit the ASSNE website.