The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE) will host four open houses for public night-sky viewings.

The university’s observatory will be open to the public for free night-sky viewing sessions on March 4 at 7 p.m., April 1 at 8 p.m. and May 6 at 8:30 p.m. Viewing will take place through the Observatory’s 16-inch telescope and other telescopes operated by ASSNE members.

Open houses will only take place if the weather permits with clear skies. In the event of cancellation, an announcement will be available before each event at around 5 p.m. at www.assne.org or by calling (508) 999-8715 for a recorded message.

Parking is available in designated spaces on the campus Ring Road or in lot 17.  Admission is free. Children are welcome to attend, if accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the Observatory, make a donation to its operations, or to become an individual or corporate sponsor, please contact Prof. Alan Hirshfeld at ahirshfeld@umassd.edu or (508) 999-8715.