NOTE - Registration for this public viewing session closed on the afternoon of Nov. 10 because the session is fully booked! Please check back in the new year for links to register for the first observatory public viewing session of 2015, set for January 23.

UNC Asheville’s new Lookout Observatory will host its first free public viewing session of stars and other deep sky objects at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. Weather conditions permitting, the observatory’s low-pitched roof will slide back to reveal star clusters, nebulae, double stars and galaxies, viewed through 14-inch optical telescopes under the guidance of astronomy experts.

Pre-registration for this event is required, and is available at the Lookout Observatory website where updates regarding cloudy weather and possible postponement will also be posted. In the event of poor weather conditions, the viewing will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15. Special accessibility needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

To reach Lookout Observatory, park in lot P8 uphill from the Reuter Center on UNC Asheville’s campus, where shuttle service at regular intervals will be provided. The observatory will be staffed until 10 p.m.

This event is sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Physics Department and the Astronomy Club of Asheville. For more information, email lookout@unca.edu or call 828.251.6442.