closed

No Open Nights until further notice

StephensAstroLeave a comment

Sadly, there will be no Open Nights conducted at Stephens Memorial Observatory until further notice. One of the most effective means of preventing spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is to maintain at least six feet of distance between each other. Inviting the public to share the crowded space beneath the observatory’s ~16-foot dome would not be wise in view of the risk. Furthermore Hiram College, in compliance with CDC recommendations, does not permit gatherings of 10 or more people on campus properties. To assist in protecting the health of our attendees (and ourselves) we do not expect to conduct any Open Night sessions the spring or summer of 2021. This notice will be updated as changes warrant. Until we meet again, please watch this website for other news and follow us on Twitter. Thank you for your interest!

First Published June 8, 2020
Update: April 3, 2021

Closed for the season

StephensAstroLeave a comment
Photo: "Solstice Skies over Stephens" Photo by David Dreimiller.
“Solstice Skies over Stephens” Photo by David Dreimiller.

The winter months in Northeastern Ohio occasionally bring excellent conditions for astronomy; the season also brings the risk of deep snow, ice, frigid temperatures, and plenty of clouds. For the aforementioned reasons and more, Stephens Memorial Observatory is closed for the season. We thank everyone who attended our Open Night offerings in 2019 and hope to see you again in the new year, possibly in March. Until then, stay safe and warm, and keep looking up! Unless you’re under a bird. Then you might want to rethink.

Closed for the season

StephensAstroLeave a comment
Photo: Stephens Memorial Observatory- February 2018
Stephens Memorial Observatory – February 2018

Stephens Memorial Observatory is closed for the season. If we enjoy a stretch of clear nights this winter, we may open for a special Open Night event (we would love to show you the Orion Nebula) so watch this website and our Twitter feed for updates. Otherwise, we’ll hope to reopen in March for monthly sessions.

We Wish You Peace and Happiness

StephensAstroLeave a comment
Photo: "Solstice Skies over Stephens" Photo by David Dreimiller.
“Solstice Skies over Stephens” Photo by David Dreimiller. While it’s not actually solstice quite yet, the low sun and cloudy skies certainly go with the season!

 

The date of our final scheduled observatory Open Night has passed and Stephens Memorial Observatory will close for the season. If we enjoy a stretch of clear nights this winter, we may open for a special Open Night event (we would love to show you the Orion Nebula) so watch this website and our Twitter feed for updates. Otherwise, we’ll hope to reopen in March for monthly sessions. Until then, we wish you a happy holiday season and a new year full of peace and happiness.