The goal of the Stargaze is to give you the oportunity to view the heavens first-hand with the help of experienced undergraduates. You will learn some constellations, look at stars through a small telescope (8-inch, a typical telescope bought by amateurs), and look at fainter celestial objects through a larger telescope (20-inch, beyond the budget of most amateurs). BGSU is one of a few Universities to have a large telescope on campus, within easy reach of its students. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
A warning -- the things you see won't be as beautifully dramatic as the color pictures in your textbook. Those are long exposure photographs taken with large telescopes at the best observing sites in the world. What you will see is light that has travelled huge distances across empty space, captured by your very own eyes! I find it awe-inspiring!
Stargazes begin at the following times:
September 2 -- December 11
Except no sessions on:
2) Stargaze sessions are held in the Observatory area on the roof of the Physical Sciences Laboratory Building (PSLB). Enter the building at the west door (next to the Planetarium), write your name on the sign-up sheet and wait by the elevator on the ground floor (do not use the stairs; the rooftop doors are locked). You will be escorted to the Observatory in a group as near as possible to the scheduled time. Each session lasts 45 - 60 minutes.
3) The maximum size of a group is 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone who shows up on time will served, but you may have a long wait if the turnout is large and we have to run extra sessions to accommodate everyone. A sign-up sheet is put out in the planetarium lobby about one hour before the first scheduled stargaze. You may wait in the Planetarium lobby, though you may find it more comfortable in the Ogg Science Library on the 2nd floor of the Math-Science Building.
4) There is no late admission. If you miss the departure of a group, you must wait until the next scheduled time. There are no exceptions and there is no other access to the Observatory.
5) Look at the sky before you come. Sessions are held only when the sky is clear and free of clouds. If it is cloudy, partly cloudy, too hazy, foggy, raining, or snowing, the sessions must be cancelled. You might want to check the weather forecast (weather.com, enter zipcode=43402). If you live out of town or sky conditions look ambiguous to you, you can call 419-372-8831 for a recorded message telling whether the sessions will be held or canceled. The message is set one hour before the stargaze is scheduled to begin, so please do not call earlier than that, or you may get a wrong message.
6) Bring your student ID card. That is how we credit the points to your grade!
7) Dress warmly. The roof is usually colder and windier than the ground. No smoking, food, or beverages on the roof. Cell phones must be turned off -- the Stargaze staff will ask you to leave if you are being disruptive or inattentive, and you will receive no credit for that session. No OUI (observing under the influence).
8) The student telescope operators have full disciplinary authority if necessary.