Jefferson College’s “Aim for the Stars” events kick off Sunday, Feb. 5, and continue throughout the year.
The activities are held at the observatory near the college’s softball field on Farm Road in Hillsboro, and all are held on a weather-permitting basis.
Jefferson College and the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS) developed the observatory together and co-sponsor the Aim for the Stars events.
During each event, the facility’s dome and 16-inch telescope is used for public viewing of planets and stars. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and binoculars.
In addition, the events include presentations about plans for the observatory, including a site tour, training on how to read a star map, library telescope and binocular training, a meteorite exhibit, laser guided constellation tours and previews of upcoming astronomy events.
There is no cost to participate in the monthly educational programs led by Jefferson College faculty and SLAS members, said Maryanne Angliongto, Jefferson College dean of math, physics and technology.
“They’re open to everybody,” she said.
In decent conditions, the events draw dozens of people, Angliongto said.
“It really depends on the weather,” she said. “If it’s good weather and it’s pleasant outside, we’ll have 50 to 75 people. If it’s cold, we may not get many brave people.”
Extreme weather can force a cancellation, she cautioned.
“People can go to the St. Louis Astronomical Society website where there’s a calendar section and it’s where we post if there is a cancellation,” she said.
In addition to Feb. 5, the 2023 Aim for the Stars events, which all begin at sunset the first Sunday of each month, are scheduled for March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
In addition, Jefferson College and SLAS will convene for an eclipse targeted to begin at 10:31 a.m. and end at 1:27 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.
“It’s not going to be a total solar eclipse,” Angliongto said. “It’s an annular solar eclipse, meaning the moon will pass in front of the sun. It won’t be completely black, but it will be interesting.”
For more information, visit Jeffco.edu/observatory; slasonline.org; or the Jefferson College Observatory Facebook page.