DELAWARE, Ohio – For two weekends in July, ³Ô¹ÏÍø's "Place for Space" also will become the "Sun Spot" as Perkins Observatory hosts its popular "Celebration of the Sun" daytime skywatches.
The special Saturday-only programs will be held from 2-4 p.m. July 19 and 26 at the observatory, 3199 Columbus Pike (U.S. 23), Delaware.
"The Sun is the most important star in our sky," said Don Stevens, observatory director. "Without it, life could not exist on our little planet.
"Not only does it give us light and warmth, but it also can be a source of great peril for our species," Stevens said. "It is no wonder it was an object of worship and awe for many cultures throughout history. We seem insignificant next to its awesome power, yet we have evolved the ability to learn its secrets, capture its power, and explore beyond its influence.
"As we have come to understand more about what the Sun is and how it works," he concluded, "we have come to understand more about ourselves. Now is your chance to join in this endeavor and learn more about the day star we spend our lives orbiting. It is a celebration of light. Join us as we celebrate the Sun!"
The "Celebration of the Sun" events replace the observatory's Friday night skywatches in July, when the Sun sets too late to schedule evening programs. Weather permitting, those attending the July programs will celebrate, discuss, and observe the Sun using special telescopes and eclipse glasses.
It is unsafe to look at the Sun without the appropriate eye protection, but guests may be able to observe sunspots and solar prominences – explosions on the Sun's surface – under the supervision of Perkins staff and volunteers.
Other "Celebration of the Sun" activities may include rocket launches, sundial demonstrations, views of a 1,000-yard model of the solar system, tours of the observatory, and, of course, the Perkins ghost story.
The observatory will return to its regularly scheduled Friday evening programs Aug. 1. Weather permitting, the skywatches will include observing the sky using the observatory's 32-inch Schottland Telescope.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all Perkins Observatory events, as many programs sell out. Advance tickets are $10 each and may be purchased only with a credit/debit card by calling the observatory at (740) 363-1257. Tickets are $2 more if purchased at the door.
Founded in 1923, Perkins Observatory is an active research facility used by Ohio Wesleyan students and faculty. "The Place for Space" also conducts hundreds of public programs and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Learn more at .
Founded in 1842, ³Ô¹ÏÍø is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 and competes in 24 NCAA Division III . Through its signature experience, the , Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at or learn more at .