WCU Stories      April 3, 2019

Western Carolina University’s Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources is hosting a free moon viewing party at the Jackson County Airport beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12.

Geology and astronomy faculty from WCU will be on hand with telescopes to show the moon, Venus, Jupiter and its moons, star clusters and galaxies. They also will teach attendees how to identify spring constellations, provide historical context for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing that occurred in July 1969, and lead activities for children related to the theme “The Moon and Beyond.”

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly. In case of inclement weather or overcast skies, the viewing will be postponed to Saturday, April 13, at the same time and location.

The event, part of the 2019 North Carolina Science Festival’s Statewide Star Party, is open to the public. The Statewide Star Party is made possible through support from a N.C. Space Grant.

For more information, contact Amy Fagan in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources at 828-227-3820 or alfagan@wcu.edu.