Jupiter (pictured) along with Venus, Saturn and Mars will all be visible this summer. To commemorate the occasion, the School of Science at Penn State Behrend invites guests to visit the college for three special Telescopic Observing Nights.
ERIE, Pa. — This summer, four planets — Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars — will be visible after sunset. To commemorate the occasion, the School of Science at Penn State Behrend invites guests to visit the college for three special Telescopic Observing Nights.
The free planet-observing sessions will be held from 9:30 to 11 p.m. July 5, July 12 and July 26 on the top floor of the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center Parking Deck, located off Technology Drive.
“Since some of the planets will be low in the southeastern sky at observing time, this will ensure that the planets can be seen over the trees,” said Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics.
Free parking will be available at the parking deck or across the street at the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center. An elevator also is available to transport visitors to the observation platform.
Telescopic observing at the Burke parking deck is made possible thanks to a recent gift by the Mark Kulyk family of Fairview of a new fully automated 11-inch telescope to the college. The telescope includes a solar filter for observing the sun as well as a camera adapter at the eye piece that can be used for taking pictures with a cellphone.
In the event of clouds, a cancellation notice will be posted on the Yahn Planetarium website at behrend.psu.edu/yahnplanetarium and will be updated as needed. For additional information, contact the School of Science at 814-898-6105.
Steve Orbanek
Marketing Communications Coordinator, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
