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March 30, 2015

Stargaze from Franklin Institute's rooftop observatory

Chief Astronomer hosts celestial monthly events

Events Science
Joel N Bloom Observatory Franklin Institute/for PhillyVoice

The Franklin Institute's Joel N. Bloom Observatory.

Each month the Franklin Institute hosts Night Skies in the Observatory, a night of stargazing and celestial discussion at the Joel N. Bloom Observatory. The series returns April 12.

The observatory includes five rooftop telescopes through which guests can observe far away planets, stars and nebulae. The evening is hosted by the Franklin Institute's Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts.

In addition to the rooftop stargazing, the night includes two shows at the Fels Planetarium and a lecture or presentation appropriate for kids 8 years old and up. Though April's lecture has yet to be determined, previous subjects include astronomy highlights for 2015 and the fight to preserve glass plate imagery of the universe.

Throughout the night, the observatory will be filled with helpful observers and star maps will be provided for free to attendees.

Night Skies in the Observatory

Thursday, April 9
7-10 p.m. | $5
Franklin Institute
271 N. 21st St.
(215) 448-1200

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