ERIE, Pa. — Richard Gosnell, lecturer in physics at Penn State Behrend, will discuss the lore and science of the Big Dipper and its parent constellation, Ursa Major, during the first Open House Night in Astronomy of the 2022-23 academic year. His talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. in room 101 of the Otto Behrend Science Building at Penn State Behrend.

Gosnell will discuss the grouping of stars in Ursa Major, one of the most recognized constellations in the night sky. The grouping, which includes the stars Merak and Dubhe, is represented in Greek mythology as a bear. The Big Dipper, a seven-star cluster that forms a handle and bowl, points to Polaris, which also is known as the North Star.

Gosnell’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session and, weather permitting, astronomical observing at the Mehalso Observatory. The program is free and open to the public.

Open House Nights in Astronomy are an outreach program of the School of Science at Penn State Behrend. These scientific presentations are intended for ages 8 and up; for additional information, contact the school at 814-898-6105.