The William D. McDowell Observatory in  DeKorte Park begins a new month of programming next Wednesday night with free public programs at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. — weather permitting, of course.  [Note: The observatory is closed Monday for Memorial Day.]
   Dress for the weather; with the dome open, you are basically outside.
   Each evening two major objects in the night sky will be viewed, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions. 
   Pictured at left is the observatory's state-of-the-art telescope with a 20-inch mirror, housed beneath a retractable dome.
   The telescope, one of the largest in the area, is equipped with cameras to record the stars and planets. Special filters block light pollution.
    For detailed information and the complete June schedule, click here.