Guilford Tech's New Telescope Opens a Window to the Stars

Dimmer stars shine brighter through the new 24-inch telescope on the campus of Guilford Technical Community College.

The new telescope was installed in May. The instrument allows viewers the ability to see things that were not bright enough to see with the school's eight-inch telescopes.

Tom English is the director of the Cline Observatory, where the new telescope is located. He says it's one of the largest in North Carolina.  

“You know it's a lot of fun just to share the universe with people," English says. "It's really for anybody who's interested in the cosmos. If you've ever wanted to look through a telescope or see the moon or the planets or other things through the telescope, then you should come out.”

The observatory is open to the public every Friday night to anyone looking to wish upon a star, and any kind of star gazers, from novice to expert, are welcome. Professors and volunteers are available to answer any questions guests may have. With no set program, guests can come and go as they please.

Viewings are weather permitting and begin each Friday after sundown, which is currently around 9 p.m. Cline Observatory is located on the campus of Guilford Tech, 601 East Main Street in Jamestown.