Students now have the option to kick off spring break by discovering stars with faculty who know them best.

The Department of Physics will hold their monthly astronomy observation from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Sunday on top of Neckers Hall. The event is free and spectators who arrive early can warm up with hot chocolate, apple cider and tea in room 456.

Bob Baer, organizational coordinator for the observation, said Jupiter will be directly overhead for the occasion. He said the moon is about a third of the way illuminated as well, which makes for a clear image.

“The moon is just crystal clear, and very sharp when we look at it through your small scopes. It’s really bright,” he said.

Considering it is a good time of year to view planets and stars, Orion’s Nebula will also be visible, Baer said.

“On top of that we’re going to try and see the supernova M82, the one that was discovered just back in January,” he said.

Baer presents a slideshow full of pictures and information as a guide for viewers.

“That presentation is projected on one of our walls on the astronomy deck so people have something to look at while they’re not looking at the stars,” he said.

Each observation usually attracts 50 to 70 people. Baer said people are always excited to see the sky from a new perspective.

“They’re utterly surprised because the planets look really good,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t believe it at first; they think maybe there’s an image stuck to the telescope and we’re faking it.”

Children are welcome with the supervision of a guardian. Baer encouraged students and community members to attend.

“When you understand that you’re looking at something eleven million light-years away or more, it sinks in and it’s pretty impressive you can see that thing,” he said.