| August 1999 Stargaze with Friends at UM's
Blue Mountain Observatory
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| Dave and Diane Friend host public open houses at
UM's Blue Mountain Observatory. |
The public is invited to visit the heavens at UM's Blue Mountain Observatory Aug.
20 and Sept. 10 and 17. Observations will begin at about 10 p.m. on these Fridays unless
there is bad weather.
If there is any doubt about the weather, call observatory director Dave Friend at
243-5283 the evening of the open house.
The observatory is located near the top of Blue Mountain southwest of Missoula. To
reach UM's gateway to the stars, take Blue Mountain Road off U.S. Highway 93 and follow it
to the base of the mountain. Then make a left turn at the cattle guard to enter the Blue
Mountain Recreation Area. Follow the road for 10 miles up the mountain to a sharp left
turn that has a sign for the observatory. Make a left turn there and go another three
miles to the fire lookout. Park near the lookout and walk about 200 yards east to the
observatory. Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended.
Friend, an associate professor of astronomy and physics, said participants will observe
the moon or any bright planets that are visible.
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