Learn about Artemis II mission to the moon at IU Kokomo’s free Observatory open house

Hear the latest updates on NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon at Indiana University Kokomo’s free Observatory open house on Sunday, April 12.

Patrick Motl, professor of physics, will begin the open house at 8 p.m. with updates from NASA’s historic 10-day mission, launched April 1, to send the first crewed flight to the moon in 54 years. Four astronauts, including the first woman to travel around the moon, were part of the test flight to orbit the moon and test the Orion capsule’s life support system, preparing for a future mission to land there.

After the presentation, stargazers may be able to see Jupiter and highlights from the constellations Leo, Virgo, and Coma Berenices, including the spring galaxies, through the Observatory’s telescopes. They include a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade allows viewers to see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light-collecting area.

Observation will continue through 10 p.m., weather permitting.

The Observatory is at 2660 S. Washington St. Free parking is available on campus.