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UW-RF Observatory Open for Viewing

NOV. 24, 2004--The UW-River Falls Physics Department will open its observatory from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the first clear night between Dec. 6-9. The free, public viewing will highlight Saturn, the only moon or planet in the solar system visible at this time.

Assistant Professor of physics Eileen Korenic will present a talk on "The Star of Bethlehem" at 8:30 p.m. in room 271 of the Centennial Science Hall, located between Rodli Commons and Kleinpell Fine Arts Building, at the corner of 6th and Cascade streets.

The observatory viewing will begin immediately following the talk. Total time spent viewing depends on the number of people attending. Located on the third floor of the Centennial Science Hall, the observatory houses a new 16-inch Meade computer-controlled LX200GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which was installed last year. Two 12-inch Meade LX200 telescopes are mounted on the observing deck.

Viewers should dress warmly as the observatory dome is unheated. Each telescope will be staffed by a physics department faculty member, student or guest astronomer in order to answer any questions. Viewers can observe many galaxies, star clusters and nebulae, and may request targets of observation.

The decision to cancel the session will be made by 5 p.m. to allow for adequate setup time. Check for daily updates and viewing session information on the UW-RF physics department Web site at www.uwrf.edu/physics/obsviewtime.html. It is sometimes best to arrive after the start of an observing session to avoid long lines.

For more information, to request elevator access to the third floor observatory, or to be included on an e-mail notification of scheduled viewings, contact Assistant Professor of physics Glenn Spiczak at glenn.spiczak@uwrf.edu or call 715/425-3560.

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Last updated: Tuesday, 30-Nov-2004 10:14:41 CST