FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington is inviting the public to the grand opening of its new observatory at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. The observatory is on Mosher Hill, four miles east of the UMF campus.

The opening will feature a short program by Chris Magri, an associate professor of physics, who will describe the building of the observatory starting with the donation of the site by UMF Professor of Geology Tom Eastler and his wife, Sue. He’ll also relate how the observatory was built by dozens of volunteers, including professional builders from the community. Magri will also discuss the purpose of the observatory and announce public program dates.

Attendees will be able to see the roof roll off and the telescope operate under computer control through a wireless network link from the Farmington campus. They will also see how the observatory will enable regular astronomical observing programs for the community and real astronomical research opportunities for UMF students. After the short program, attendees can warm themselves with hot cider, look over the observatory and its equipment, ask questions and, if the sky is clear, view the heavens through the telescope.

To get to the observatory from Main Street in Farmington, go east on Perham Street 3.2 miles and bear left onto Mosher Hill Road. Then go 1.1 miles and turn left onto Waugh Road. The observatory is just ahead on the left.

In the event of inclement weather, the grand opening will be Thursday, Nov. 20, at the same time and place. To check if the event has been postponed, people call the observatory at 778-7159.

For more information, people an contact Magri at 778-7369 or Al Bersbach, UMF manager of network and server systems at 778-7307.