Stargazing Event Unlocks Wonders of Night Sky

Westmont invites the community to explore the cosmos during a free public stargazing event Friday, Sept. 18, starting at 7 p.m. and lasting several hours. Held in conjunction with NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, the evening unleashes the power of Westmont’s Keck Telescope alongside high-powered instruments from the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit to bring deep space into sharp focus.

The event opens early to capture dramatic views of Earth’s orbiting companion before twilight deepens into night.

“Alongside the moon, visitors can observe the Summer Triangle, the Owl Cluster and potentially Saturn toward the end of the night,” says Jennifer Gee, assistant professor of physics and observatory director.

The college hosts free public stargazing events on the third Friday of every month with help from local astronomers who set up additional telescopes surrounding the observatory, offering attendees multiple viewing angles and expert insights into various celestial objects.

Free parking is available near the Westmont Observatory, located between the baseball field and the track and field/soccer complex. Visitors must enter campus using the main entrance off La Paz Road, as the lower entrance on Cold Springs Road closes to visitors at 7 p.m.

In case of cloudy skies, visitors should check the observatory website or call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 to confirm whether the event remains on schedule.