Observatory announces free stargazing nights at Clackamas Community College

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Clackamas Community College has announced a series of public stargazing nights at the Haggart Observatory during the spring, summer and fall of 2024.

The college’s Environmental Learning Center will host the free events in partnership with the Rose City Astronomers club, giving the public the rare opportunity to peer through the Haggart Observatory’s 24-inch Newtonian reflector telescope.

“The observatory will offer free stargazing opportunities throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of the night sky through the observatory’s powerful telescope,” Clackamas Community College said.

This year’s stargazing events will focus mainly on the moon. However, Rose City Astronomers will also have telescopes set up on the observatory deck to offer a variety of stellar and planetary views.

“While everyone has seen the moon before, viewing it through a high-powered telescope offers a new perspective, revealing craters, mountains and plains in detail,” CCC said.

The Haggart Observatory will host the public stargazing events on the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 15 (first quarter moon, 9-11 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 18 (waxing gibbous moon, 7-9 p.m.)
• Thursday, June 13 (first quarter moon, 9-11 p.m.)
• Saturday, Aug. 10 (waxing crescent moon, 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
• Monday, Aug. 12 (first quarter moon, 6-8 p.m.)
• Tuesday, Sept. 17 (full moon, 9-11 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 16 (full moon, 8-10 p.m.)

Those interested in attending the events can contact Rose City Astronomers at (503) 594-6044 for cancellation updates on potentially overcast nights. Guests are encouraged to dress for chilly, nighttime weather. The observatory is located on the northeast end of the CCC campus at 19600 Molalla Ave. in Oregon City.