Dark Sky Nights

Dark Sky Nights will be held at the APSU Observatory on the grounds of the APSU Environmental Education Center. A map and directions to the observatory can be found at www.apsu.edu/physics/astronomy/observations/map-and-directions-apsu-observatory . 

The Dark Sky Nights are weather dependent so if the skies are cloudy and/or rainy for a particular night it will be cancelled and we will attempt to hold it the next night (i.e. Monday 9/14 is cancelled so we will try again Tuesday 9/15). If that night is also rainy/cloudy it, too, will be cancelled. The three exceptions to the rain/cloud delay are the two Thursday nights 9/3 and 9/10 (there will not be a make-up day on a Friday night) and the Saturday 10/17 date (there will not be a make-up day Sunday night). Cancellation notice, if needed, will be posted by 5:00pm on the day of the observations on APSU Observing Nights. The schedule for the Dark Sky Nights is:

• Thursday September 3 @ 8:00pm

• Thursday September 10 @ 8:00pm

• Monday September 14 @ 8:00pm

• Wednesday October 7 @ 7:30pm

• Saturday October 17 @ 6:30pm

• Thursday November 5 @ 6:00pm

** Note: the October 17 date is also a public observing night, so be courteous and watch for children.

A list of “Things To Observe” will be posted a day or two before each observing night on this page under the specific observing date. It is strongly advised that you to look over the “Observations Report” section BEFORE coming to the Observing Nights so you know what information you need to collect, and you bring a notebook to take notes with.  The Moon will be visible on Sept. 14 and Oct. 17.  The sessions will last approximately 90 minutes.  Check the weather before you come and dress appropriately.