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Drake Observatory to discuss two small strange worlds

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Drake Municipal Observatory

CONTACT: Tory Olson, 515-271-1834, tory.olson@drake.edu

Mars and Earth will be the focus of this week’s presentation by the Drake Municipal Observatory on Friday, July 2.

The observatory’s summer series over the solar system will continue with a presentation titled “Two Small Strange Worlds.”

The event will start at 9 p.m. in the observatory at 4898 Observatory Road in Waveland Park on the west side of Des Moines. Parking is available adjacent to the observatory.

The series, which is free and open to the public, will continue each Friday at 9 p.m. through July 16, with a non-technical, illustrated presentation by Charles Nelson or Herbert Schwartz of Drake University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Each presentation will be followed by the opportunity to view several stellar objects through the large refracting telescope and several smaller reflecting telescopes.

The programs are held regardless of the weather, although the selection for observation is subject to change due to sky conditions or other special circumstances.

Individuals, families and small groups are welcome to attend the presentations. A parent or responsible adult must accompany children.

The schedule for the remainder of the summer series is listed below:

•    July 9: “Hot Rocks and Gassy Giants”

•    July 16: “The Other Debris”

For more information, contact Drake’s Department of Physics and Astronomy at 515-271-3141.