UND observatory to host community open house The Department of Space Studies will host an open house Saturday, Aug. 26, for UND and Greater Grand Forks communities. It will highlight the observatory's astronomical equipment, including a newly built radio telescope, and demonstrates to the community the observatory's evolving capabilities. Visitors will also be able to view live images of the Sun through a telescope, talk with UND students conducting astronomical research, and learn about plans for a $3 million observatory at the site. Food and beverages will be provided. The open house will begin at noon and will continue into the evening. A star party will be held beginning at dusk and will continue through midnight. For more information, contact Paul Hardersen at (701) 777-4896 or via e-mail at Hardersen@space.edu. Directions to the observatory: drive west of Grand Forks on Highway 2 until passing Mile Marker 346. Take a left onto a gravel road into Oakville Township. Drive until crossing railroad tracks and arrive at a T-intersection. Turn right. Drive about one-half mile and turn at the first left. Drive another one-half mile and the observatory is on the left side of the road.