GLEN GARDNER, NJ — The New Jersey Astronomical Association will host its 8th Annual Observatory Open House and Astro Flea Market on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buzz Aldrin Observatory in Voorhees State Park. Admission is free.
Visitors will be able to tour the observatory and see the 26-inch telescope, described by NJAA as the largest public telescope in New Jersey. Weather permitting, guests can observe Venus during the daytime, view solar prominences through specially filtered solar telescopes and learn how astronomers study the Sun safely.
The event will also feature real meteorites that visitors can touch, astronomy talks, demonstrations, a radio astronomy presentation and telescope tune-ups. Children can take part in a scavenger hunt designed to make astronomy more hands-on and accessible.
For astronomy enthusiasts, the Astro Flea Market will offer telescopes and other observing equipment for buying and selling. Food will also be available on site.
The Buzz Aldrin Astronomical Center is named for Buzz Aldrin, the Apollo 11 astronaut and New Jersey native from Montclair. NJAA has been promoting public interest in astronomy for more than 50 years through observing nights, lectures and educational programs.
The observatory is located at 300 Observatory Road, Glen Gardner, inside Voorhees State Park. The rain date for the open house is October 3.
Sources: New Jersey Astronomical Association | NJ Family
By NJ RADAR Team