Solar spacecraft, Mars occultation subjects of free Observatory open house

KOKOMO, Ind. - Learn more about the structure and dynamics of the sun's corona and magnetic field at Indiana University Kokomo's free Observatory open house this Sunday (January 12).

Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences and professor of physics, will begin the open house at 7 p.m. with an update on NASA's Parker Solar Probe, a spacecraft that studies the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, and how it affects the solar system.

"This amazing spacecraft continues to explore the solar corona and has become the fastest object we have built due to its close proximity to the sun," he said. He will also discuss the upcoming occultation of Mars by the moon, in which the first full moon of 2025 will pass in front of Mars, briefly covering it.

After the presentation, stargazers may be able to see Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and the moon in the evening sky at sunset through the Observatory's telescopes. They include a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade allows viewers to see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light-collecting area.

Observation will continue through 9 p.m., weather permitting.

The Observatory is at 2660 S. Washington St. Free parking is available on campus.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.