Party Under the Stars

At promptly 8 p.m. Astronomy professor Dale Fields, along with several of his students, rolls telescopes onto the viewing deck of the Center for Science Building on May 13, 2016 for Telescope Night.

The astronomy department hosts viewing parties, where the community has an opportunity to gaze and study the night sky though telescopes.

To avoid light pollution, the majority of the lights on the building are turned off, and a wall of black boards on rollers are positioned to block the excess light from the opposite side of the building.

One telescope, provided by Astronomy Professor Carolyn Mallory, is pointed at the moon, while the rest are aimed at planets. Community members were able to see Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn in addition to several galaxies.

Adam Lehavi, son of Mathematics Professor, Sheri Lehavi wanted to come to Telescope Night to view Jupiter. However, later in the evening he changed his mind.

“My favorite part was actually looking at the moon, not Jupiter, because it was clearer and I learned a lot about how telescopes work,” said Lahavi.

Professor Malloy was happy to assist Fields for the evening, as she believes her presence helped people see more things and gain exposure to astronomy.

“When Students actually get to see the objects that they are studying, it gives them a life of their own. It gives them personality and better descriptions and more of a personal connection. Plus, students like to be outside at night under the sky. Everybody does, its kinda fun,” said Malloy.