July Features Flash of Saturn’s Rings
The , which opens its doors to the public every third Friday of the month, will focus on Saturn and several astronomical objects Friday, July 21, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and lasting several hours. This summer has featured some of the best views of Saturn’s rings in nearly 15 years. The rings, a collection of ice and rocks bound together by gravitational forces, tilt 27 degrees to our line of sight, offering a stunning view through ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€™s powerful Keck Telescope.
The viewing at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ occurs in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, whose members bring their own telescopes to Westmont for public use.
The Keck Telescope, a 24-inch F/8 Cassegrain reflecting instrument with Ritchey-Chretien optics, is housed in the observatory . Free parking is available near the baseball field.