Stargazers Glimpse Mars, Whirlpool Galaxy

The Westmont Observatory offers views of Mars, the moon and the Whirlpool Galaxy on Friday, June 20, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and lasting several hours. Westmont hosts a free, public stargazing event on the third Friday of every month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Society, whose members bring their own telescopes to share.

The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) and its smaller companion (NGC 5195) will be on the celestial menu. The viewing will also feature breathtaking views of the craters on the moon, which will be a waning crescent.

The college’s powerful Keck Telescope is housed in the observatory, beyond the centerfield fence at Carr Field. Parking will be available at the baseball field. Parking at the track is blocked off and unavailable. 

To enter Westmont’s campus, please use the Main Entrance off of La Paz Road. The lower entrance off of Cold Springs Road is closed to visitors after 7 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, please call the Telescope Viewing Hotline at (805) 565-6272 and check the observatory website to see if the viewing has been canceled.