Rice Observatory Open House: When Moons Align

FREE EVENT: The Rice Space Institute will host a Rice University Observatory Open House with a talk about the alignment of Jupiter's moons.

Description: "There will be an open house at the campus observatory from 8-11pm on Saturday, October 17, preceded by a talk at 7pm in BRK 101 entitled "When Moons Align: The 2026/2027 Event Season for Jupiter's Satellites".

"Every six years or so, the orbits of Jupiter's satellites align with the Sun just right, and allow the satellites to shadow one another. We are entering such a window now and it will extend through early next year. At various times in the upcoming months it will be possible to use a small telescope to follow satellites as they fade and then recover.

"The talk will discuss how these phenomena relate to orbital resonances in the Jupiter system, and will identify the best opportunities to observe the events from Houston. Following the talk we will observe the Moon, Saturn, and other celestial objects. The weather should be nice and cool; come celebrate our first truly Fall weather with an evening at the Observatory."

Learn more here: https://events.rice.edu/event/443019-observatory-open-house-when-moons-align-the

The observatory website, https://www.ruf.rice.edu/~ruco/openhouses.html, will post the latest updates regarding weather and any last-minute changes to the schedule.

Location: Brockman Hall for Physics (NOT FOR OPERA)
Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brockman+Hall+for+Physics/@29.7196714,-95.4041851,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c07c7f054a5f:0xe52e9303a3e7fb96!8m2!3d29.7196714!4d-95.4016048!16s%2Fg%2F11c5xl0cy3?entry=ttu&gep=EgoyMDI2MDgxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Parking: The closest parking is in the "North Lot", between entrances 20 and 21. Use a credit card for entry and exit. Less expensive parking in the Greenbriar lot, west of the stadium.
Google map: https://www.google.com/maps/search/North+Parking+Lot+Rice+University/@29.7205748,-95.4211926,15z?entry=ttu&gep=EgoyMDI2MDgxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Parking Facilities and Rates: https://parking.rice.edu/parking-facilities-and-rates

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