Budding astronomers or those who just want to learn about telescopes may be interested in Dobson-Fest, an event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Jefferson College Observatory.
The free event, set up in an open-house format, will run from 4-10 p.m. at the observatory near the college’s softball field, north of the Hillsboro campus.
Jefferson College is a sponsor of the event, which will include demonstrations and tips from local amateur astronomers on how to use a telescope.
Mark Jones of the St. Louis Astronomical Society, another sponsor, said Dobson-Fest is open to anyone, regardless of whether they own a telescope.
“This is a first-time event for Jefferson College,” Jones said. “We’ll have telescopes there as part of the demonstrations. We’d like people to bring their own telescopes to show off, sort of like a car rally. We want them to get their telescopes out of their closets and put them to work. A lot of times, they don’t really know how to use them.
“We’ll have tables set up for demonstrations. Hopefully, we’ll be able to provide one-on-one instruction.”
Jones said the event refers to a man who made telescopes.
“It’s named after a telescope maker named John Dobson,” he said. “He was famous for making easy-to-use, affordable telescopes.”
Activities and demonstrations planned from 4-8 p.m. include:
■ General information on telescopes and local astronomy clubs.
■ How to select a telescope.
■ Information on telescopes and binoculars available at the college’s library.
■ Demonstrations on how to set up and use telescopes.
■ Tips on how to clean and align a telescope.
■ A display of telescope accessories.
■ Information on telescope making and mirror grinding.
Nighttime demonstrations are scheduled for 8-10 p.m.
“After nightfall, we’ll do demonstrations on how to use your telescope (for stargazing),” he said. “That will probably start around 7:30, actually.”
Those who bring their own telescopes may enter them to win prizes for the most child-friendly telescope, the most colorful telescope and the most inspirational telescope.
Other astronomy groups participating in the event include the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri, the Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers and the River Bend Astronomy Club.
For more information or if there is a question as to weather affecting the event, visit the Jefferson College Observatory page on Facebook.