Free and open to the public!
Come enjoy free hot chocolate, free coffee, and enjoy the stars!
Visitors will have the opportunity to gaze at stars and deep space objects, as well as several planets, through Tarleton’s 32-inch reflecting research telescope and several smaller telescopes, which will be made available just after sunset or at approximately 7 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescopes, set up on one of two concrete pads, and share the view with others.
Visitors are asked to turn off their headlights as they approach the observatory.
Tours of the Tarleton observatory and 32-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope will be offered throughout the evening, allowing visitors to see how professional astronomy is conducted and how the equipment operates. The telescope was designed and fabricated by Astronomical Consultants & Equipment of Tucson, Ariz., and features a computer-controlled, high resolution CCD imaging system to ensure accurate image capture for either research or projection.