Public Astronomy Talks and Observatory Viewings Announced

October 12, 2015--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its fall season of free public observatory viewings and astronomy discussions on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Objects to be seen include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.

The first stargazing (waxing crescent moon) session includes Professor Eileen Korenic presenting “Earth’s Twin:  Kepler 186f” at 8 p.m. in 271 Centennial Science Hall. The discussion precedes the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing (Uranus, Neptune visible) on the third floor observation deck.

All observatory viewings are dependent on a clear sky. Please call 715-425-3560 after 6 p.m. or visit the observatory website to verify that the sky is clear enough for viewing. The talk will go on as scheduled regardless of the sky.

A Physics Department faculty member and/or student will staff each telescope and be available to answer questions at each open telescope session. Observers are encouraged to stay and look at as many elements as possible and feel free to request personal observing targets.

Since the dome is unheated and the observing deck is outside open to the elements, visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. The viewings and talks are suitable for all ages.

Other viewings this semester include:

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m., " "Well, duh!: The Gravitational Constant Is Constant" " presented by Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing (Uranus, Neptune visible, waxing crescent moon) on the third floor observatory deck.

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m., “Christmas in Summer: Southern Hemisphere Constellations” by Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall followed by a 9 p.m. telescope viewing (Uranus visible, waning crescent moon) on the third floor observatory deck.

For more information, email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu or eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu.