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POWELL, Wyoming — The sliding roof on the Northwest College Observatory will be rolled back Saturday, Dec. 5, to let Big Horn Basin residents get a closer look at the night sky.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., NWC astronomy students will have telescopes aimed at a variety of phenomena, including double stars, nebulas, galaxies, constellations and more. Visitors are invited to stop at each telescope to take in the view and get an explanation from students staffing the telescopes.
Deepthi Amarasuriya, an assistant professor of physics who teaches astronomy, and Jayne Johnson, the observatory lab facilitator, will also be on hand to answer questions and generate discussion geared to the interests and understanding of visitors of all ages.
If the sky is cloudy, the open house will be rescheduled the following Tuesday, Dec. 8. The status of the open house schedule will be announced the evening of Dec. 5, on NWC social media, including Facebook, http://www.nwc.edu/facebook, and Twitter, http://twitter.com/NWCWyo. Johnson will also accept phone inquiries at 307-754-6183.
The NWC Observatory is located behind the college soccer field off Division St. between Seventh and 10th streets. Blue reflectors will be in place along the road to help drivers navigate after they turn west off Division St.
The Observatory will be open until 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
