Western Connecticut State University will host planetarium shows and public sky viewings from mid-March through early May at the Planetarium and Observatory on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. The events are free and the public is invited. Donations are accepted in the planetarium and in the hyperbolic funnel (“black hole”) in the lobby. All viewings take place on Saturday evenings. Parking is limited atop the hill where the facility stands, but more is available on University Boulevard.
On March 28, the moon will be near first quarter and Jupiter will once again be visible. Jupiter and spring sky objects will also appear on April 11 and the first quarter moon will make an appearance on April 25. The final Saturday of the series, May 9, will feature late spring sky objects.
Viewing schedule:
March 28: Planetarium Show 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sky Viewing 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
April 11: Planetarium Show 7 to 8 p.m., Sky Viewing 8 to 10 p.m.
April 25: Planetarium Show 7 to 8 p.m., Sky Viewing 8 to 10 p.m.
May 9: Planetarium Show 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sky Viewing 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
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 and a computer-controlled pointing and tracking system.
Sky viewings are weather dependent and may be canceled due to cloudy weather or precipitation. Planetarium shows will take place regardless of sky viewing cancelations. In the case of hazardous driving conditions, call (203) 837-8672 the day of the event to check for updates.