OUT OF THIS WORLD
DISCOVER THE NIGHT SKY
Under a canopy of stars, Jackson College’s Astronomical Observatory beckons wonder- seekers twice weekly to explore the vast cosmos above. Since opening in 2023, this state-of-the-art facility has transformed curious neighbors into passionate stargazers to delve deeper into celestial mysteries. Community members are invited to observation nights on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 p.m., weather permitting. Observatory Coordinator Travis Marlow guides guests through breathtaking views of stars, the moon, vibrant nebulae, sprawling gas clouds, and distant galaxiesbeyond our own Milky Way. “There’s far more to discover than most people realize,” Marlow explained. “We all love the bright objects, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon — but the universe offers countless fascinating objects: double star systems, star clusters, and spectacular nebulae. Each one tells its own remarkable story.” SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The observatory welcomes both Jackson College students and community members throughout the year. Special themed events occur approximately every other month, exploring captivating topics such as solar observations, lunar phases, the winter solstice, and meteor shower viewing parties.
“Our Astronomical Observatory truly is a beautiful, complex, precise scientific instrument — and one that is unlike any in our region,” said Professor Steven Tuckey, Jackson College’s Raven Endowed Chair for Mathematics. “But it is also a place where we can all come to study, observe, engage, share, and wonder together. As a result, I am so excited that we can share this facility and provide opportunities for expanding the ways students, scholars, and the wider community are able to experience our sky and observe our universe together.” “I enjoy spending time with my dad, and we both really like learning new things about space, including the moon and the sun,” said Brandon Cox. “I get to have fun with my dad and experience new, cool space things! And Travis Marlow himself always makes things interesting and handles our questions well!” ABOUT THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY This distinctive facility showcases a cutting- edge PlaneWave Instruments CDK700 telescope featuring a 700-millimeter aperture, housed within a rotating dome that tracks celestial objects across the night sky. The observatory ensures universal accessibility through ADA-compliant viewing positions, welcoming visitors of all abilities to experience the wonders above.
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