Speaker: Tim Brothers, Night Sky Concepts
November 8, 2025
5:00 – 5:45 pm

This Old Dome: Restoring the EcoTarium’s Norton Observatory

We will unveil the newly restored Norton Observatory at the Worcester EcoTarium, beginning with a presentation in the Alden Planetarium and followed by a viewing from the observatory (weather dependent). Originally built in 1982, the observatory was in much need of repair. Over the last year, Night Sky Concepts refurbished the site by automating the existing dome and installing a new robotic 14-inch telescope. This upgrade will enable the museum to bring astronomy to more visitors, day or night.

Tim Brothers is the observatory manager at MIT’s Wallace Astrophysical Observatory, where he studies near-Earth asteroids. He also operates Night Sky Concepts and can be found at www.nightskyconcepts.com.

Tickets & Important Information

Time: Second Saturday of every month, 5:00 pm
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Cost: $6 for members, $7 for non-members (per person). General museum admission will not be charged for members or guests arriving after 4:30 pm on Speaker Series days.
Location: Alden Planetarium
Age Range: All ages are welcome. Recommended 15+

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