RADFORD -- Planets, stars, comets and other celestial bodies -- and perhaps an astronaut’s lost tool bag -- all come into focus when Radford University’s Selu Observatory points its new telescope toward the nighttime sky.

Selu Observatory is open to the public for viewing at 7 p.m. every clear Friday night during standard time. Sessions last approximately two hours, but may run longer or shorter depending on interest and sky conditions.

At this time of the year, stargazers can see Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), Ring Nebula (M57), Albireo and the Pleiades star cluster. At around 9 p.m., the constellation of Orion can be seen with its impressive Orion Nebula.

The observatory allows researchers to investigate the dynamics of the universe, and it allows interested amateurs to see firsthand the intriguing objects in space that affect tides, weather and seasons. School children visiting the Selu Observatory can gain exposure to technology that will help them develop an interest in science.

The centerpiece of the observatory is the new 14.5-inch RCOS telescope. A variety of components are available -- some of which extend the telescope’s viewing capabilities, some collect data and some to control the telescope’s various functions. “A telescope of this size allows us to see a lot of things that are otherwise impossible to observe -- Neptune, for example,” said RU physics professor and observatory director Jack Brockway. “Pluto is also up, though it can be difficult to distinguish from other stars.”

Individuals interested in astrophotography are encouraged to take their SLR cameras to the Selu Observatory. SLR cameras can be mounted to the telescope, providing an opportunity to photograph the star-filled night sky.

The Selu Observatory is open to the public, and admission is free. To learn more, contact Brockway at 540-831-5828, or visit the Selu Observatory web site.