Behind the Scenes at BU: Coit Observatory
Behind the Scenes at BU: Coit Observatory
Behind the Scenes at BU: Coit Observatory
Thousands of pedestrians walk past BU’s College of Arts & Sciences building each day without realizing that it offers a dazzling opportunity to stargaze at night.
We’re talking about the University’s Judson B. Coit Observatory. Named after BU’s first astronomy professor, the observatory is used for both undergraduate and graduate-level courses and observing projects of the Boston University Astronomical Society.
But each Wednesday, the rooftop observatory hosts a Public Open Night, where guests can gaze at the evening sky using Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and binoculars. The event is free and open to the public and is held year-round, weather permitting. During fall and winter months, stargazing is from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and from 8:30 to 9:30 pm spring and summer months.
Coit Observatory manager Quinn Sykes has been guiding guests’ eyes heavenward since 2002, pointing out the best places to catch a glimpse of the moon, stars, planets, and constellations.
Tickets are available each Thursday for the following Wednesday. Be sure to order them early because they go quickly (space is limited). Obtain tickets here (a maximum of five per person). You’ll want to arrive on time, too, as no one is admitted once the program begins. To find out whether rain, clouds, or haze have forced cancellation of the event, call the observatory’s information number at 617-353-2630 no earlier than two hours before the scheduled starting time or check its Twitter feed at @buobservatory.
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