ALPENA — In partnership with the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, Austin Brothers Beer Company will be hosting two Astronomy & Ales events, a hands-on stargazing experience in October.

Led by Besser Museum Planetarium Coordinator Johnathan Winckowski, the first of these adult-oriented events will take place tonight. The second event will take place on Friday, Oct. 29. Both events will be from 10 p.m. to midnight at Austin Brothers.

Tickets for these events can be purchased in advance at the Besser Museum, Austin Brothers, or at the event, for $10 per person. These tickets also provide free admission to the Besser Museum and Planetarium. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the admission fee.

Winckowski will remain outside past the brewery with two powerful telescopes: a new eVscope which was acquired through the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, and a 12-inch Schmidt Cassegrain. The eVscope will highlight nebula, star clusters and galaxies, while the Schmidt Cassegrain will focus on bright planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, showcasing their finer details.

Winckowski will provide his knowledge while giving attendees the opportunity to view celestial objects that would otherwise be impossible to see in the city. Attendees can walk out to observe the telescopes any time during the event.

As a graduate from the University of Toledo, Winckowski received his bachelor’s degree in physics, with a concentration in astrophysics. As an undergrad, he worked at the Ritter Planetarium and assisted with research on diffuse interstellar clouds, which are clouds of dust and gas that are not entirely opaque, so starlight cannot pass through.

Winckowski has worked for the Besser Museum Planetarium since July 2018.

“The Astronomy & Ales observing event is a great opportunity for people to observe some of the wonderful celestial objects in the sky over Alpena, while also relaxing with some of the city’s local beer,” Winckowski said. “This event will also be a unique experience that will give attendees a look at dark sky objects and hidden planetary details normally only reserved for astronomy photos.”

For more information, contact the Besser Museum at 989-356-2202 or Austin Brothers at 989-340-2300.