Montgomery—A telescope clinic and a “Tour of the Night Sky” are among the activities scheduled for the 10th annual Astronomy Day to be held at the W.A. Gayle Planetarium on Saturday, April 21. The planetarium is operated for the City of Montgomery by Troy University.

The event is being held in conjunction with the Auburn Astronomical Society.

Activities will get under way at 5 p.m. with a telescope clinic to be followed by a planetarium show at 6 p.m. A “Tour of the Night Sky,” will be offered at 7 p.m. along with a telescopic viewing at 8 p.m. Through these events, visitors will have the opportunity to view Venus, Saturn and its rings and retinues of moons and craters of the four-day-old moon. Door prizes will also be given throughout the event.

“The whole intent of Astronomy Day is to introduce astronomy to the public to show it can be a great family hobby,” said Rick Evans, director of the planetarium. “Astronomy is there every night, and this event will help you understand what you are looking at.”

According to Evans, the Auburn Astronomical Society will display some 20 telescopes to aid those interested in purchasing a telescope, as well as for telescope owners who need direction in proper use.  “It’s a great opportunity to look at a variety of scopes,” he said.

Astronomy Day is free and open to the public.

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