August Community Night-- Bare Dark Sky Observatory

INFORMATION, TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Join us for an evening of astronomy as you probably have never seen before! You will have the opportunity to view Planets, the Moon, several deep sky objects, and stars through our 34" diameter Neutonian “Sam Scope”, as well as our 14" mirror Meade telescope. With the assistance of our observatory staff, up to 26 people will spend 2 hours learning about the dark skies based on what is currently viewable in the night sky.

NOTE: On evenings that the Moon is over 30% full, many of the deep sky objects and the Milky Way will appear more faint. However, this is also an opportunity to view Moon craters up close in various Sam Scope eyepieces.

(WEATHER PERMITTING) Your event will take place in open air, so dress comfortably for the weather. There are no water fountains at the observatory so bringing bottled water is encouraged. Closed toed shoes and a flashlight are also highly recommended. There is a clean and sanitized porta john located at our parking lot.

For the safety of our staff, our guests, and your pet, the Bare Dark Sky Observatory has a NO PETS policy. If you have a registered service dog that you need to bring to a stargazing event, please contact a staff member at the Earth to Sky Visitor's Center prior to coming to the event to make special arrangements.

Upon arrival to the parking lot at the base of the hill to the observatory, be prepared to walk approximately 200 feet up an inclined path with steps to reach the observatory. There is one handicap parking space that is close to the building with a ramp up to the observatory. To be able to look through our Sam Scope you must be able to climb 3 to 4 steps up a 10 foot rolling ladder. You will be outside the entire viewing time.

Inclement Weather Policy: With the opening of the Glenn and Carol Arthur Planetarium, we can now offer an alternative two-hour astronomy experience option on evenings the Observatory is unavailable due to weather conditions. If the weather forecast is not favorable for outdoor stargazing, we will send out an email the day before to inform you that the astronomy event has been moved into the planetarium. Please plan to arrive at the Arthur Planetarium ten to fifteen minutes prior to event time.

Please note that you will be at the Observatory and Earth to Sky Park at your own risk and will hold Mayland Community College, and the Mayland Community College Foundation harmless in the event of an incident. Mayland Community College is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles. Please use caution as the terrain is uneven.

COVID NOTE: Please refer to www.mayland.edu/observatory for the latest Covid mask update. Currently, masks are not mandatory, but we will provide masks for those in need.

For planetarium days, times, show topics, and ticket info please refer to Mayland.edu/planetarium.

Thank you ... and Keep Looking UP!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mayland Earth to Sky Park & Bare Dark Sky Observatory (formerly called the EnergyXchange), 66 Energy Exchange Dr, Burnsville, United States