VSU Planetarium and Observatory reopens its doors

The Valdosta State University Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences will be celebrating the grand reopening of the Planetarium and Observatory on the evening of Friday, September 2nd at 8 pm.

For the past two years the observatory has been closed to the public due to the renovation of Nevins Hall, but with the completion of that work and the installation of a new 16-inch telescope, they can now reopen their doors.

The ceremony will begin in Nevins Hall with a welcome by President Zaccari followed by a brief program on the history of astronomical study at Valdosta State University. Next on the agenda will be a formal ribbon cutting on the rooftop of the observatory to dedicate the new telescope.

This state-of-the-art computer-controlled reflector telescope was installed in the campus observatory in mid-June, but September 2nd will be the celebration of the "first light".

A public observing session will conclude the evening, along with a thirty minute show The Stars Shine For Us All.

The lecture hall (NH2111) where the celebration will begin is located on the east side of Nevins Hall on the second floor. Due to current campus construction guests will not be able to park next to Nevins. However, convenient parking is available on the other side of Patterson Street in the Admissions Lot.

VSU astronomers say they want to thank the VSU community and the public for their support and hope a large crowd can attend the celebration.