Clear skies and startling

“I don’t think a lot of people get involved in things that are upcoming but I’m surprised there’s people,” business major Tyroo West said.

Colors from the setting sun bleed off the sky until pitch darkness takes its throne and a rising half moon marks the hour for the star party to begin.

Chair of the Physics and Planetary Department, Dale Fields arrives on scene with a few volunteers opening doors, hefting two telescopes out onto the second floor of the Center for Sciences. Together they position the telescopes to capture an in-depth sight at the moon and locate the red planet, Mars.

On September 8, the Astronomy department hosted its “Viewing Night” on the CFS second floor from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Students, faculty and members of the community were welcomed to use equipment to view the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.

“Especially children, it tells me the community is here.”

The crisp night air was not enough to keep children and families away from the event. Those in attendance were captivated by sights before them taking turns looking through the telescopes.

“I am a scientist and I’m always asking questions as to why,” Fields said. “All children are natural scientists asking why, why, why. I really like to see little kids because they’ll keep asking and see where they are going to join us as future scientists.”

Bodies wanting a peek of the wonders of the Solar System trickled in as the event continued. Attendees were asking questions to volunteers and Fields about the equipment, planets, and sharing stories of their own stargazing experiences.

“Being able to see the moon so close because I’ve only seen pictures