WINONA, Minn. – Starting Tuesday the solar observatory atop the Minne classroom building at Winona State University will be open for occasional public experiences looking heavenward. Geoscience professor Jennifer Anderson said sessions will be at 7 p.m. on October 8 and 22 and at 6 p.m. on November 12 and December 6. A Meade 12-inch reflecting telescope is in the main dome. Two Meade eight-inch telescopes are outside on the roof. Anderson offered these tips:
> Bring binoculars.
> Be prepared to climb a spiral “staircase to the stars,” then a short ladder to the rooftop dome.
> Wear sturdy shoes, dress warmly: “It is colder and windier up on the roof.”
> If you can’t see stars from the ground, events will be cancelled.
> Children under 14 must be with an adult.
> Most visitors stay about 20 minutes.
What to see. Venus is especially prominent in the fall along with the Moon and Mercury in he early evening. Deep Sky objects include the Andromeda galaxy, the Ring nebula, and the Hercules star cluster.
Anderson. Geoscience professor.