Powerful Keck Telescope Back in Action

Following a 10-month hiatus, the Keck Telescope will be back up and running Friday, Oct. 19, at the public viewing of the stars, beginning about 6:30 p.m. and lasting several hours at the Westmont Observatory. The college spent more than $34,000 to have officials from DFM Engineering in Colorado repair the powerful telescope, a 24-inch F/8 Cassegrain reflecting instrument with Ritchey-Chretien optics.

The observatory opens its doors to the public every third Friday of the month in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, whose members bring their own telescopes to Westmont for the public to gaze through. The Keck Telescope is housed in the observatory between Russell Carr Field and the track and field/soccer complex. Free parking is available near the baseball field.