Like to watch the sky at night? Here are five opportunities this winter and spring to participate in special nighttime programs at the Ohio Northern University Astronomy Observatory sponsored by the ONU Astronomy Club, according to Dr. Jason Pinkney, ONU Department of Physics and Astronomy, and observatory manager.

All programs are from 8 to 10 p.m., are open to the public, and are dependant upon weather conditions.

• Friday, Feb. 6 – The Opposition of Jupiter
• Friday, March 20 – Spring Equinox and a New Moon
• Note: There is a total lunar eclipse on April 4 but the middle of the eclipse occurs at 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and the moon sets in the west around 7:19 a.m. No public event is planned at the observatory, however persons who rise a few hours before the sun might see about half of the event by looking west.
• Friday, April 10 – Galaxies of Spring
• Friday, April 24 – Craters and Maria: Observing the Moon
• Friday, May 8 – Spoting Mercury and Venus

Want more information? Contact Pinkney at [email protected] or 419-772-2740, or the observatory at 419-772-4028.https://www2.onu.edu/%7Ej-pinkney/astro/ONUObservatory.html