The frost is off the proverbial pumpkin and off the silver dome of Gunnison’s publicly owned observatory. While the 30” telescope was in winter hibernation, the Gunnison Valley Observatory board of directors finalized plans for the 2010 viewing season. And a full season it will be!

The pre-tourist, locals “shoulder” spring and fall seasons will provide public viewing sessions on most Friday evenings, starting on Friday, May 14th. For a small donation, locals and students will be able to view planets, stars, nebula and galaxies through the big, dome-housed telescope and a smaller amateur telescope located outside. The gates will open at 8:00 pm and no reservations are required. It’s still chilly, so dress warmly. A “Summer Nights Program” will be held on Friday and Saturday nights starting on July 2nd. Viewers are invited to come and enjoy a mini-lecture on a variety of interesting astronomy topics and then view the night sky through the 30” telescope and several amateur telescopes. Gates for the Summer Nights Programs will open at 8:00 pm. Suggested donation for the Summer Series is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

New this viewing season will be monthly – Members Only – events. These events will include socializing with other members and knowledgeable astronomers, astronomy presentations, a chance to use the facility’s scopes or learn to use your own scope, and special viewing sessions. Several levels of membership are available at the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The observatory is located at 2804 County Road 38 (Gold Basin Road). From Gunnison, go west on Highway 50 from town, then turn left on the road to Hartman Rocks, and continue around the airport then travel south for about a mile. The observatory is on your left. Information on all of the general community and special member-only viewing nights is available on the GVO website at gunnisonobservatory.org or on the Valley-wide community events calendar at gcbcalendar.com. As is heard at the observatory: Carpe Noctem – Seize the Night.