(Posted March 22, 2024)

HUNTINGDON, Pa.—Seasoned stargazers and night sky novices are invited to a series of Observatory Nights hosted by Juniata College at the Paul E. Hickes Observatory behind Brumbaugh Academic Center. Held “open house” style, visitors are welcome between 8 and 10 p.m. on Mondays on April 1, 15, 29, and May 6.   

“The night sky in spring contains a wealth of galaxies and star clusters, such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Beehive Cluster, and the beautiful Double Cluster in Perseus,” says Matthew Beaky, professor of physics and astronomy at Juniata College. “Colorful double stars, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae will also be visible.” 

These events are free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. No preregistration is required.   

Participants will be able to use the observatory’s telescopes to observe various celestial objects, which vary according to the seasons. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the conditions, as the observatory is outdoors and open to the elements.  

The Paul E. Hickes Observatory was donated by Paul E. Hickes ’42 and built in 1986 to house Juniata’s Brashear five-inch refracting telescope. The telescope was purchased from John Brashear, one of the world’s most renowned telescope makers at the turn of the last century, before the arrival of Halley’s Comet in 1911. The observatory was constructed in time for Halley’s return 75 years later. Today, the observatory contains a permanently mounted 16-inch reflecting computerized telescope outfitted with an electronic (CCD) camera. Two 8-inch Dobsonian reflectors and a solar telescope are available for imaging or group viewing.   

For those interested in bringing a large group (10 or more people) to the observatory, please contact Beaky at 814-641-3550 or beaky@juniata.edu about scheduling a special Observatory Night for a group or organization.  

Cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced before 5 p.m. at www.juniata.edu/observatory-nights and via Instagram at @juniata_astronomy. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.