The Rensselaer Astrophysical Society is a Rensselaer Union funded organization that allows students to pursue their interest in astronomy. The society works with the physics department to maintain the Hirsch Observatory.

Hirsch Observatory To Begin 2013 Season Feb. 2

The Hirsch Observatory at Rensselaer has announced that the public observing program will begin its 2013 hours as of Saturday, Feb. 2. Hours for this season will be from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday nights; interested persons may stay later with members of the Rensselaer Astrophysical Society.

Cloudy night programming is done with Astro Kits from the Night Sky Network, funded by the National Science Foundation.

The program will be held at the observatory on top of the Jonsson-Rowland Science Center; participants should enter through the door located immediately below the observatory dome (on the south side of the building). Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the Academy Hall lot off College Avenue.

For more information, contact Jonathan Cassidy, manager of public programing for the Hirsch Observatory, at 423-3510 or at jonlc1952@gmail.com.

According to the Rensselaer Astrophysical Society, 2013 will have at least one major and bright comet. The observatory’s main telescope will be rebuilt during the late winter and early spring so observing will be improved.