February stargazing parties

Morgan County Observatory Foundation is hosting a public star party this Friday evening February 17 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the observatory on the grounds of Greenwood elementary school.

With clear skies, participants should be able to see Jupiter and its four Galilean moons, the ring nebula, the double star Albireo, the Great Orion nebula and the Andromeda galaxy with the help of the three ton 16” aperture cassegrain telescope. Also have an opportunity to learn to find your way around the night sky using star maps which will be provided. Dress for the weather as the observing room where the telescope resides is not heated or cooled. Going outside for short periods to conduct a constellation tour of the night sky. Movies, refreshments and hands on astronomy activities help make an evening for people of all ages.

MCOF will also be present at the Friends Wilderness Center stargazing event this Saturday evening February 18 near Shannondale. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with stargazing starting around 7 p.m. Call Sheila Bach at 304-728-4820 for costs and directions to Niles Cabin.

Bill and Norberta Lands of Morgan County FAST (Forum for Arts, Science & Technology), the Town of Bath Tourism Fund, William Vail, and Beverly Gates Sykes, Jr. and family have given to the observatory. MCOF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are fully tax deductible. Consider holding a private star party for friends, family or organization or giving a gift donation in the name of a loved one.

For more information about MCOF and the full year’s calendar of events, call 304-258-1013. The observatory can be found from Berkeley Springs by going two miles south on Rt. 522, taking a left on Rt. 13 Winchester Grade Rd. traveling 9.5 miles and it will be on the left next to Greenwood school.