GMU Observatory offers Fairfax a different way to star gaze

Every Monday interested students can meet in Research Hall to go into the observatory (photo courtesy of George Mason's Physics Department)

The observatory invites all to come gaze at the stars through their electron microscope every clear Monday night.

 On Sept. 16, 2013, Professor Darryl Wilson facilitated a lecture about Saturn that began at 8 p.m. The lecture was for all attendees whether they were astronomy majors or not.

The 30 minute lecture was packed with information about Saturn, followed by a video Wilson took of his own Saturn sighting.  Students did not have to be science majors to enjoy and understand the lecture.  The slideshow and the way Wilson explained it made it easy to follow even if the student knew next to nothing about the planet. 

Before even stepping into the dome, first opened in January of 2007, there is a fantastic view of campus.  Inside the observatory is a huge telescope going through the opening in the ceiling. 

Through the telescope, you can see the stars, the moon and many planets.  Unfortunately, attendees could not see Saturn due to its position being obstructed from the microscope, but there was a fantastic view of the moon. Most students have never had the chance to go inside an observatory before, so this was a unique experience offered by Mason. 

Prabal Saxena, PhD student studying Pluto specifically, said the telescope was like “gazing at the heavens on Braddock Road.” 

He explained how it is so unique to get such a good view of the solar system, the spiral galaxies and supernovas.  He said even for non-science majors it is a great way to get a sense of the solar system. 

The most interesting thing he saw through the telescope so far was a planet outside the solar system.

 Freshman Jessica Ellis, who also attended the event, has always been interested in astronomy, the planets and the moon, and thought this event was a “fantastic opportunity.”  She said it was unlike anything she had ever been to and she would definitely come back.    

Students of any major can enjoy this experience. It is a unique opportunity if students have a free night.  It can also be a great date idea.

The GMU Observatory is open to all interested on Monday nights until 10 p.m. with lectures at 8 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. 

For more information about the lectures, the observatory, and the star gazing schedule, please visit http://observatory.onmason.com/.