The William D. McDowell Observatory in DeKorte Park begins a new year of programming tonight with free public access at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. — weather permitting, of course.

Dress for the weather; with the dome open, you are basically outside.

Each evening at least two major objects in the night sky will be viewed, plus one or two other celestial objects or events depending on the observing conditions.

For the complete January schedule and more information about free public viewing nights, click here.

For a South Bergenite column by the NJMC's Jim Wright about the observatory, click here.