Observatory Open House

The Ring Nebula, a glowing ring of gas surrounding a dying star, and a globular star cluster containing perhaps a million stars will be the featured celestial objects at an open house at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at the Grant O. Gale Observatory.

Robert Cadmus, professor of physics, will lead the free, public observation. If the weather is cloudy, the program will consist of computer imaging demonstrations and recorded views through the telescope.

To receive notification of future observatory open houses, please email Cadmus.

The Grant O. Gale Observatory is located on the north perimeter of the Grinnell College campus, north of 10th Avenue and adjacent to Les Duke Track.

The  observatory, which opened in 1984, is an especially valuable facility for a small liberal arts college. Designed by Woodburn and O'Neil of Des Moines, the building is a 38-foot by 55-foot structure rising 26 feet to the top of the dome.

Minors under age 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Grinnell College is not responsible for supervision of minors on campus.

Grinnell College welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. Contact Conference Operations, 641-269-3235, to request accommodations.