Looking for an out-of-this-world experience right here in NEPA? Visit Keystone College’s Thomas G. Cupillari Observatory for one of its public nights.
Every Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 22, the observatory in Fleetville will offer a public lecture and observation of the night sky. Weather permitting, attendees can view the moon, planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
I’ve been to the observatory many times. (Full disclosure: my husband is on the board of the Lackawanna Astronomical Society, which uses the observatory as its home). My oldest daughter has loved looking through the telescopes and learning about her favorite celestial object: the moon. I wouldn’t suggest taking kids who are too young, since the lectures can be hard for little ones to sit through. Each spring, the astronomical society hosts its Astronomy Day, which is very family friendly. I’ll be sure to write about that before it happens.
The observatory can be a little tricky to get to, since it’s not on Keystone’s campus. Directions and more information are available here.
Sarah balances life as a reporter for The Times-Tribune and as the mom of two little girls. A graduate of Ithaca College, Sarah started covering education in 2006. She has received awards for her reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists, Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association, Inland Press Association and Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association. She lives in Clarks Summit with her husband, their daughters and their sweet pug, Sadie. Reach her at shofius@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9133 or @HofiusHallTT.
