Jefferson College’s “Star Parties” have been called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but those interested in the night sky may watch new virtual “Aim for the Stars” educational events on the internet.
The first virtual “Aim for the Stars” presentation is set for 7-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and will be live streamed on the college’s Observatory Facebook page at facebook.com/JCObservatory.
The free presentation will include an update on the observatory construction project featuring a virtual tour using architect images, as well as a tour of the night sky using planetarium software and discussions on a variety of astronomical topics, like planets, double stars and clusters. Information about future astronomy events will be included, and a question-and-answer session will be held at the end, time permitting.
The college is partnering with the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS) to create an observatory on the far north end of the Hillsboro campus, north of the Viking softball field. College and SLAS personnel will participate in the “Aim for the Stars” presentations.
Maryanne Angliongto, associate dean of the college’s School of Math, Physics and Technology, said she believes “Aim for the Stars” should appeal to a fairly wide range of people.
“It will be faculty, as well as people from the Astronomical Society, involved,” she said “It’s open to everybody. Obviously, you have to have an interest in the night sky and observing and learning.”
The Jefferson College Board of Trustees included $38,000 in its 2020 fiscal year budget to begin developing the observatory site. The Astronomical Society is helping with the project, including raising funds for it.
“The Astronomical Society is providing a 16-inch telescope and a telescope dome,” Angliongto said. “The college is providing the site and infrastructure for the observatory.”
Those behind the project say the observatory will be built in phases, and the $38,000 from the college will merely get the project off the ground.
Angliongto said the pandemic has slowed the project, but those behind it hope it will soon get moving again.
“The site’s had some basic clearing. We’ll have to do more groundwork to build at the site,” she said. “Once the site is prepared, the first thing will be a concrete patio and a pier for the telescope.”
Angliongto said the “Aim for the Stars” events will have a free-flowing set-up. “There’s a lot to see,” she said. “It’s a good time to go star gazing.”
Other upcoming “Aim for the Stars” live-stream events are scheduled for Nov. 8 and Dec. 6, also from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Questions about the events may be directed to Angliongto at 636-481-3318 or manglion@jeffco.edu.