CONTACT: Tory Olson, 515-271-1834, tory.olson@drake.edu
The Drake Municipal Observatory will begin its fall series with a presentation, “Ancient Views,” on Friday, Sept. 10.
The event will start at 8 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 8 p.m. through Oct. 29, 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:
- Sept.17: “Stars Become Useful”
- Sept. 24: “Stars Become Colorful”
- Oct. 1: “Stars Become Physical”
- Oct. 15: “More Tricks for Spectrums”
- Oct. 22: “Discovering How the Sun Works”
- Oct. 29: “Fantasy Becomes Reality”
For more information, contact Drake’s Department of Physics and Astronomy at 515-271-3141.