Star Watch Schedule for the WCSU Observatory and Planetarium

Did you know that Western Connecticut State University has an Observatory and Planetarium? Several times a month they host Public Nights where visitors can view a planetarium show and observe the night sky. And the best part:  it is FREE.

Public Night Schedule, Fall 2014:  All events are on Saturdays.

DATE

Sunset  (Norwalk-Stamford)

Planetarium Show

Sky Observing        (if clear)

Objects

Sept. 6

7:16 p.m. EDT

7 - 8 p.m.

8 - 10 p.m.

Waxing gibbous Moon, summer Milky Way sky objects

Sept. 20

6:54 p.m.

7 - 8 p.m.

8 - 10 p.m.

Summer Milky Way sky objects

Oct. 4

6:29 p.m.

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Waxing gibbous Moon, summer Milky Way sky objects

Oct. 18

6:07 p.m.

6 - 7 p.m.

7 - 9 p.m.

Summer Milky Way and early autumn sky objects

Nov. 1

5:47 p.m.

6 - 7 p.m.

7 - 9 p.m.

Moon just past First Quarter, autumn sky objects

Nov. 15

4:32 p.m. EST

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. EST

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. EST

Autumn and early winter Milky Way sky objects

Dec. 6

4:24 p.m.

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Full Moon; autumn and early winter Milky Way sky objects 

The facility is located atop the hill between the Westside Campus Center and the Pinney Hall dormitory. Limited parking is avail-able around the facility, with additional parking on University Boulevard.

Public Nights may be cancelled due to severe weather or hazardous road conditions. Call 837 – 8672 on the day of an event, for updates. Sky viewing cannot be held in cloudy or precipitating weather, but planetarium shows are usually held.

Planetarium shows are appropriate for adults and older children, but generally not for infants or toddlers.

GENERAL INFORMATION about the planetarium and observatory:

  • Public Nights are free, but we do accept donations in the planetarium and in the hyperbolic funnel ("black hole") in the lobby.
  • Planetarium shows will be held as scheduled, rain or shine, unless severe storms or hazardous driving conditions are predicted. The telescope cannot be used if skies are cloudy or precipitating. (Use the National Weather Service link, above, to see the forecast for any scheduled Public Night date.)
  • Parking is very limited (4 to 6 vehicles) atop the hill where the facility stands, but more is available on University Boulevard (the main Westside Campus road).
  • The planetarium has a seating capacity of 40. The telescope chamber can accommodate 6 to 8 at one time, with additional standing space on the stairs.
  • Planetarium shows usually last about one hour and are geared to adults and families with preadolescent and older children; i.e., older than baby or toddler. Younger children may be disturbed by the dimming of lights in the planetarium and other special effects.
  • It is requested that people attending planetarium shows turn off mobile phones, digital cameras and other electronic devices, as their use during the show is disturbing to others. The same request holds for flashlights, lighted sport shoes and other sources of illumination.
  • The observatory houses a 20-inch f/8.1 Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope that is used for public observing and astronomy research by WCSU students and faculty. It has a German-type equatorial mounting (the telescope has counterweights) and a computer controlled pointing and tracking system.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS to the WCSU Observatory and Planetarium: 

The facility is located on the WCSU Westside Campus, which is off Exit 4 (Lake Avenue) of Interstate 84. After exiting the Interstate, travel about 0.7 mile west on Route 6 to the main campus entrance, then another 0.7 mile up the main campus road, University Boulevard. You will pass Centennial Hall (new dormitory) on your left; continue straight. At the new Campus Center, turn left and proceed a short distance to the observatory road, which will be on your left and facing the Pinney Hall dormitory. SLOWLY turn onto the road--preferably coming in from an angle--as the entrance apron is steep; we don't want you to bottom out!        Parking is very limited (4 to 6 vehicles) atop the hill where the facility stands, but more is available on University Boulevard (the main Westside Campus road).

 

      

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next