The night sky is the newest exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum. Just before the Fall Equinox, the museum launches a new partnership “Cosmic Nights” with the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers (SBVAA) to feature telescope viewing on the evening of Friday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. The partners plan to hold an evening event each quarter.
The event takes place outdoors, weather permitting, and guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Museum galleries will be open during the event and regular admission applies.
The partnership helps SBVAA, founded in 1958, achieve their goal of introducing the community to astronomy, to organize amateur astronomers in the San Bernardino Valley area, and to increase knowledge and excitement in astronomy.
“Astronomy is one of the sciences that easily captivates everyone,” said Museum Director Melissa Russo. “One look through a telescope at the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and the atmospheric flows around Jupiter, and the Universe becomes a little more knowable. Astronomy is a profound visual gateway to appreciating science, so star parties are a terrific way for us to help inspire our community to learn more about the world around them. Our hope is that this becomes a long-term partnership with the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers.”
The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five are admitted free. Museum members receive 50 percent discount off admission for Cosmic Nights. Parking is free. For more information, visit the San Bernardino County Museum website. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.