Astronomy Students Present 'The Latest Astronomy from Space'

Media contact: Noelle Lemoine, communications assistant; tele: (413) 597-4277; email: [email protected]

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., June 30, 2003 — The Hopkins Observatory at Williams College presents a planetarium show titled “The Latest Astronomy from Space” on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. from July 1 through August 19.

Visitors will be treated to a tour of the solar system and the galaxy, from Mars and Jupiter’s moons to the intricate and beautiful structures of nebulae. The show presents astronomer’s knowledge of stars through new images from telescopes around the world and in space, especially the Hubble Space Telescope. Visitors will also receive instruction on how to find prominent summer constellations and how to observe Mars during its close approach in August. On clear nights, the one-hour show is followed by a tour and use of the Williams observing facilities atop the astronomy building.

“The Latest Astronomy from Space” is designed and given by Williams College astronomy students Christopher Holmes, Jesse Dill, Davy Stevenson, Lisa Ong, Sarah Croft, Paul Crittenden, John Backus Mayes, Terry-Ann Suer, Ryan Carollo, and Keck exchange students Peter Forshay of Haverford College and Megan Roscioli of Haverford College with Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Hopkins Observatory, Jay M. Pasachoff. The event is supported by the Frederic H. Brandi Fund at Williams College.

The Mehlin Museum of Astronomy and the Milham Planetarium are located in the Old Hopkins Observatory, the oldest extant astronomical observatory in the United States. The facilities are located at 829 Main Street (south side of Route 2) between Spring Street and Water Street in the Berkshire Quad of Williams College.

The museum opens at 8 p.m. and admission is free. For reservations recommended) call (413) 597-2188. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

END

Published June 30, 2003