Please join us for a night of astronomical observing at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's renovated Hirshfeld-Dowd Observatory. The domed observatory features a 16" telescope and will be open for viewing. Amateur astronomers will also have a variety of telescopes and other equipment on the field for observing. We will be observing Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and deep sky objects.

A few things to remember for outdoor public observing:

* Dress warmly! Our rule of thumb is to dress as if it will be 20 degrees colder, in layers (you get cold fast standing in a field).
* **Keep mobile phones and white flashlights turned OFF when you get to the field,** as these ruin the night vision of everyone trying to look through the telescopes. (If you must use a flashlight while walking in or out, keep it pointed at the ground.)
* If it is too cloudy to see the sky, telescopes can't see it either. The event may be cancelled at short notice for snow/rain/mostly cloudy conditions.
* Parking for this event for the public is along the Ring Road and across the street in UMD parking lot 17. **You may not park on the field** (reserved for astronomers bringing in gear).

You can read about the observatory renovation here: [https://www.umassd.edu/news/2023/alumni/hirshfeld-dowd-observatory.html](https://www.umassd.edu/news/2023/alumni/hirshfeld-dowd-observatory.html)

Public observatory nights are fun, relaxed events and a chance to see the night sky up close! Children are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.

**How to find us:** Once you turn into the campus on Old Westport Road, take your **first right onto the Ring Road**. Near the end of the first large field, you will see the Dome on your right, and Parking Lot 17 on your left Park in lot 17 (or along the road). Do not park in the field!

Southern New England Public Astronomy - ASSNE

Science & Education

Astronomy

Stargazing

Space Science

Amateur Astronomy

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Lunar Astronomy

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Public Astronomy Observing at UMD: November

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Public Astronomy Observing at UMD: November

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