Credit: Wheaton College
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Wheaton College hosts viewing nights for the public on most Fridays. On these nights, the observatory is open to the public and students. Activities include an astronomical slideshow, lecture, and a rooftop viewing on clear nights. The Starlab Planetarium visit offers a chance to view the night sky through a number of large aperture telescopes.
Observatory Open Nights
- All open nights are held of Friday evenings
- Program start times will vary depending on season and the rise and set times of observing highlights
- Check the website for a current Open Night schedule
- Double check the status on your planned viewing day, prior to arriving, to ensure weather patterns have not resulted in a change in the viewing schedule
Admissions
The Friday Observatory Open Night event is free of charge.
Groups
Pre-scheduled small groups are welcome to public viewing nights. Groups larger than 10 should contact the school in advance to allow the that we can manage the number of visitors to our program. Families and groups with fewer than 10 people do not need to make prior arrangements.
For more information about our open nights program, please contact 508-286-3979.
Directions and Parking
Meet at the entrance to the old Science Center outside of Hindle auditorium (Howard St., just off Taunton Rd). Student workers will provide directions to the observatory. If you already know the way you can go directly to the observatory to begin viewing the sky.
Parking lots 7, 8, and 9 are within close proximity to the Observatory and the Hindle auditorium.