Bellefonte Art Museum to host astronomy exhibition

The Bellefonte Art Museum is partnering with the Penn State Eberly College of Science to host a limited-edition astronomy exhibition from July 4 to Aug. 31. The exhibition titled, “From Your Backyard to the Cosmos: The Beauty and Science of Astrophotography,” will have two opening receptions — July 6 and Aug. 3 from noon to 4:30 p.m. 

Christopher Palma, teaching professor of astronomy and astrophysics, will share astronomical images, from cameras and telescopes in backyards and local dark sky sites to those taken by the most powerful telescopes operated by NASA and research observatories around the world. Palma will also share the techniques that are used by practicing astronomers, and several local astrophotographers will be featured. 

“I am so excited to have the chance to show off the artistic side of astronomy blended with the science,” said Palma. “So many of us love to display images of the sky and deep space objects as art, and I appreciate the museum giving me this chance to feature some of my favorites. While the exhibition will feature some of the best NASA images, I am just as excited that we have one image provided by award-winning photographer Monika Deviat taken without needing a $10 billion space telescope. I hope everyone who attends is inspired by the idea that everyone can do astrophotography with even modest equipment.”

In addition to a grant awarded to the Bellefonte Art Museum, a second small grant was awarded to the State College chapter of Advancing Equity for Women and Girls, which also helped fund this exhibition. 

The Bellefonte Art Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. 

More information can be found on their website.