Lone Star College-Montgomery showcases new telescope April 13

CONROE, Texas – Hunt for Jupiter and the Orion Nebula with Lone Star College-Montgomery’s new telescope during the “Starry, Starry Night Star Party” Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. starting in Building B, Room 102. This party is a free, family-friendly event. No astronomy experience is required.

The night will begin with a presentation by Dr. Aaron Clevenson, astronomy professor at LSC-Montgomery. Dr. Clevenson will be talking about gravitational waves, which are waves in space itself caused by gravity.

Following the presentation, the college’s new computerized 25-inch Dobsonian telescope will be set up on top of the five-level parking garage. This equipment is considered the ultimate telescope for the serious astronomer. Weather and cloud cover permitting, the public should see a view of the night sky they will not forget.

“This new telescope is three times the diameter of a typical telescope someone might have at home,” said Dr. Clevenson. “If it is a clear night, the highlights of the evening will be Jupiter and the Orion Nebula.”

The telescope was purchased with a Chancellor’s Faculty Innovation Grant. It is being shared across LSC campuses and is also being used for public outreach events. The large telescope enables students and the community to see some faint, deep space objects in greater detail.

Other, smaller telescopes will also be available to gaze into the night sky during the party. Astronomy students will have tables explaining interesting stars and astronomical objects to attendees. Participants can also take part in a treasure hunt with free poster giveaways.

For more information about the “Starry, Starry Night Star Party”, contact Dr. Clevenson at Aaron.B.Clevenson@lonestar.edu.

The LSC-Montgomery parking garage is best accessed using the West Campus Drive entrance, which is directly across from the main entrance to College Park High School off Hwy. 242/College Park Drive.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit LoneStar.edu/Montgomery.