Ohio Northern University's Observatory first event of the season is Friday, Aug. 29, titled is "Comet Rendezvous/Neptune Opposition." The program is from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.This event is free to the public but it is contingent on mostly clear skies.
"On this night, we celebrate encounters with two comets. For Comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko, a spacecraft called "Rosetta" has just reached the comet and is finding the optimum site for a November landing," said Dr. Jason Pinkney, professor of physics and astronomy and ONU Observaory manager.
He added: "While Comet 67P will not easily be visible from Earth, Comet Jacques is expected to be well-placed in the sky and bright enough for easy telescopic viewing. Comet Jacques is expected to be at its minimum distance from the Earth, 0.6 AU, on this date, Aug 29.
"If the comets aren't enough excitement, the opposition of Neptune also occurs on this night. That means it's opposite the Sun in the sky and is optimally placed for viewing.
Other fall events on the schedule
Friday, Sept 19, 8:00-10:00 pm. -- Public Event. "The Andromeda Galaxy"
On the morning of Wednesday, Oct 8, there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse visible from Ada, OH. No observatory event is planned because of the early hour. The Earth's umbra begins to cover the Moon around 5:15 am EDT and the Moon sets during totality, around 7:30 am EDT. It should be a beautiful sight and no telescope is needed.
Friday, October 17, 8:00-10:00 pm. -- Public Event. "The Opposition of Uranus"
Friday, October 31, 8:00-10:00 pm. -- Public Event. "Halloween and the Moon"
Friday, November 14, 8:00-10:00 pm. -- Public event. "Seeing in the Leonids"
Friday, December 12, 8:00-10:00 pm. -- Public Event. "The Geminid Meteor Shower"
