Observatory Contact
Jo-Ann Kamichitis
Phone:
570-945-8402
Email:
observatory@nigzob.com
Observatory at Keystone College
The Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Observatory, located a short drive from our La Plume campus in Fleetville, PA, promotes an understanding of the night sky along with a general knowledge of astronomy for the Keystone College community and the general public.
Whether you’re taking an astronomy course or just interested in the night sky, the observatory at Keystone College offers a unique, hands-on learning experience. Observing the night sky and finding objects using a telescope will help open the wonders of the universe. Whatever your ambitions in astronomy, we can help you get started.
Minor Planet Project
Thomas G. Cupillari Observatory ’60 has been issued an Observatory Code I17 designation from the Minor Planet Center. View Project.
Observatory Public Viewing Program
The Keystone College Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Observatory programs offer an observation of the night sky through the telescopes. The scheduled programs are provided as a community service and are free of charge. No registration required.
Fall Program: September 11 – November 22, 2024
The Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Astronomical Observatory will begin its fall sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 7:30–9:30 p.m. and will continue each Wednesday and Friday evening through Nov. 22. The sessions are provided free of charge and advance registration is not required.
Following a brief talk which changes weekly, participants will be able to observe the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and the Milky Way through telescopes.
The sessions will be held outdoors and in unheated buildings and visitors should dress accordingly. The sessions will be held on both cloudy or clear nights and will only be canceled due to severe weather. Visitors should check the weather before traveling to the Observatory.
Groups
Monday evenings are reserved for groups of 20 or more, such as school classes, scouts, and community organizations. For more information or to make group arrangements, contact Jo-Ann Kamichitis at 570-945-8402 or email observatory@nigzob.com
Directions
The Observatory is located at the intersection of Route 107 and Hack Road in Fleetville, a short distance from the College’s main campus. It is approximately two miles west on Route 107 from Interstate 81 exit 202 and approximately two miles east of Fleetville on Route 107. Once visitors turn onto Hack Road, the Observatory is almost immediately to the left.
Will the sky be clear at the observatory?
The clear sky chart numerical weather forecast is specifically designed for astronomers and will predict if the Thomas G. Cupillari ’60 Observatory will have good weather for astronomical observing. At a glance, the sky chart shows when it will be cloudy or clear for the next two days.