The public is invited to attend "Stars and Telescopes" on Friday, April 24, 2009 at Mankato Area Public Schools' Planetarium, 2600 Hoffman Road, Mankato. In 1609, Galileo became the first scientist to look at and draw distant objects using a simple telescope. Attend the show to journey throughout the universe and see the wonders that have been discovered over the past 400 years using telescopes.
Planetarium show times are 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, however reservations are required due to limited seating. Call East High School at 507-387-5671 to reserve your seats.
After attending the planetarium show, travel outdoors and use a telescope to look at these phenomena, at no cost, at Minnesota State University, Mankato's Andreas Observatory and Standeford Observatory. The MSU observatories will be open to the public from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Visitors should park (free) at the southern end of Gage parking lot #1, walk through the pedestrian gate, and follow the road south to the observatories. (A flashlight is often useful.) Visitors with special needs should contact the Disability Services Office at 389-2825.
If the sky is not sufficiently clear, the observatories will not be open. If weather makes viewing uncertain, phone Andreas Observatory (389-2691) or Standeford Observatory (389-6208) during the scheduled hours to inquire about sky conditions. [If no one answers, the event is off.] A sign on the gate at the end of lot #1 will also indicate whether the observatories are open.
