The Discovery Center and the New Pond Farm Observatory, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding, are hosting an astronomy program that is open to the public on Saturday, March 8, starting at 7 p.m. Astronomers will have telescopes trained on the Moon, Jupiter and interesting winter sky objects, such as the Orion nebulae. All ages are welcome.
This time of year Jupiter will still be quite visible through telescopes, and the many moons of Jupiter will be in clear view as well. The winter nights this year have been unusually cold and clear, making constellation viewing extraordinary due to lack of atmospheric humidity.
Participants should bring a flashlight for the walk from the parking area to the observatory and binoculars if possible. The walk to the observatory is a snow trail and can be easily traversed with winter boots. The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For non-members, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required.
Visit ridgefielddiscovery.org or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the website after 4 p.m. for program status.