Viewing of the Stars to Feature Gas Giant

Central Coast stargazers are hoping for clear skies Friday, Nov. 18, for a free, public viewing of the stars with Westmont’s powerful Keck Telescope. The viewing, which begins at about 7 p.m., has been canceled the last two months due to overcast skies. The observatory opens its doors to the public every third Friday of the month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, whose members bring their own telescopes to Westmont for the public to gaze through. The viewing lasts for several hours. In case of inclement weather, please call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 and check the Westmont website to see if the viewing has been cancelled.

Westmont physics instructor Thomas Whittemore says the public may be able to get a good view of Jupiter, which has been dominating the night sky in November. “Hopefully at least one of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons will be in view — Io, Callisto and Ganymede on one side of the Gas Giant and Europa on the other,” Whittemore says.

Westmont students and faculty use the 24-inch reflector telescope to conduct astronomical research. The Keck Telescope is housed in the observatory between Russell Carr Field and the track and field/soccer complex. Free parking is available near the baseball field.