Observatory Opens for Stargazers

Westmont hosts a star party of sorts on Friday, July 21, beginning about 8 pm and lasting several hours at the observatory. The college’s powerful Keck Telescope, a computer-controlled 24-inch reflector, is available to the public every third Friday of month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit (SBAU). Members of the SBAU bring their own telescopes to campus to share with the public as well.

Free parking is available near the Westmont Observatory, which is between the baseball field and the track and field/soccer complex. To enter Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off La Paz Road. The lower entrance off Cold Spring Road is closed to visitors after 7 pm. In case of inclement weather, please call the telescope viewing hotline at (805) 565-6272 to see if the viewing has been canceled.