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University of South Carolina   Physics and Astronomy

Melton Memorial Observatory

Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Phone: 803-777-4180
E-MAIL THE OBSERVATORY

Current Observing Schedule

The following is a list of some of the more commonly seen objects during the different seasons. This list of potentially observable objects is a guide for both Monday Public Nights and classes. This list is to be used as a guide, not a schedule; objects which are not listed may be viewed, and objects which are listed may not be.
Season Potentially Observable Objects Comments
Fall

September, October, & November
  • The stars Deneb, Altair, Vega, and others.
  • Albireo, a colorful binary star system in the constellation Lyra.
  • The Andromeda Galaxy, an altogether different galaxy from our own, the Milky Way Galaxy
This is an excellent time to visit the Observatory.The weather is usually clear, with relatively low humidity.
Winter

December, January, & February
  • The constellation of Orion, including Rigel, Betelgeuse, and the Orion Nebula.
  • The constellation of Taurus, including the red giant Aldebaran.
  • The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters.
  • The Andromeda Galaxy (see above)
This is perhaps the best time to observe from Melton. The humidity is at its lowest, and the weather is almost always clear. Dress for the cold, though.
Spring

March, April, & May
  • The constellation Gemini, including the stars Castor and Pollux.
  • The stars Sirius, Procyon, and Capella.
  • The constellation of Orion (see above), in early Spring
 Though sometimes rainy and humid, spring observing is often quite nice.
Summer

June, July, & August
  • M13, a globular cluster at the outer edge of the Milky Way Galaxy.
  • Mizar and Alcor, a double star system, with Mizar itself as a binary star system.
  • The stars Regulus, Arcturus, and Spica.
 Even though weather in Columbia is at its worst in the summer months, and humidity is high, viewing can be good.


In addition to the above, most of the planets and the Moon are commonly visible from the observatory, but have no set seasonal schedule. Also, comets, asteroids, and meteorites (shooting stars) have been observed. Make sure to ask your tour guide if there is anything unusual to see.
by Alex Mowery
Copyright © 1998-2002, The Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina.
URL:  http://boson.physics.sc.edu/~melton