JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — On August 9, the East Tennessee State University announced that it would open the Harry D. Powell Astronomical Observatory to the public for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They said it will be open for an open house event once a month during the fall semester. The first one is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. Dr. Mark Giroux, a physics and astronomy professor, will also give a brief talk about some of the results from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Visitors will be able to walk through the observatory, telescopes will be in place for anyone who wants to take a peek at some of the best views the night sky has to offer.
It is located near ETSU's main campus at 1101 Narrow Lane in Johnson City. If there is inclement weather or if the skies are cloudy, the open house event will be canceled, ETSU said.