In-person stargazing sessions at the Jefferson College observatory are scheduled to resume this month, with the first to be held from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Sunday.
Over the past nine months or so, the stargazing events have been held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The observatory is near the college’s softball field on Farm Road, north of the Hillsboro campus.
After July 1, the free Aim for the Stars events (formerly called Star Parties) will be held once a month, on a Sunday. Jefferson College and the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS) co-sponsor the events.
“We’ve been trying since, I think, April to do the in-person Aim for the Stars, but the weather has not been cooperative,” said Maryanne Angliongto, the college’s associate dean of math, physics and technology. “There’s either been rain or it’s been cloudy.”
The events are open to all ages, and attendees are offered the opportunity to tour the site under development.
The observatory at the college, which will be open to the public, will be the first one in the county affiliated with SLAS. It is being developed in phases.
“Phase I is in progress,” Angliongto said. “The college has the site pretty much ready. We’ve poured concrete for the foundation and the isolated pier for the telescope. The dome (to house the telescope) was purchased by SLAS. They’ve been holding onto it while we’ve been working on the site. We’re hoping the telescope will be operating by August. If not, then definitely for a grand opening scheduled for Sept. 12.”
Those who attend the July 11 event will have the chance to receive training on how to read a star map and how to use a telescope or binoculars.
Some telescopes are provided at the event, but people are encouraged to bring their own.
Contact Angliongto at 636-481-3318 or manglion@jeffco.edu.