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UW-RF Observatory Spring Schedule
The UW-River Falls physics department offers another season of observatory
viewings in Centennial Science Hall during the 2005 spring academic semester.
Stargazing sessions are free and open to the public and may include a
planetarium show or introductory talk by physics Professor Eileen Korenic,
who will highlight a recent astronomical news or provide an in-depth look
at one or more of the objects visible that night. The lecture hall scheduled
for talks is located in Room 271 of Centennial Science Hall.
Observatory sessions are scheduled for 8-10 p.m. March 14-17, and 9-11
p.m. April 4-7 and May 2-5.
All observatory viewings are scheduled on clear nights only, Monday-Thursday.
For daily weather updates, call 715/425-3560 or visit www.uwrf.edu/physics/obsviewtime
The UW-RF Observatory houses a 16-inch Meade computer-controlled LX200GPS
Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which arrived in October 2003. The Physics
Department also owns two 12-inch Meade LX200 telescopes that are usually
mounted on the observing deck during public stargazing sessions.
Viewers can expect to see a selection of deep sky objects, such as galaxies,
nebulae and star clusters. Saturn, one of the most impressive sights of
all, will be the only prominent moon or planet of our solar system to
be seen above the horizon during the upcoming sessions.
It is often best to arrive sometime after the start of an observing session
to avoid waiting in line. In addition to the main telescope under the
dome, one or two smaller telescopes will be set up on the observing deck.
A physics department faculty member, student or guest astronomer will
staff each telescope and be available to answer any questions. 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 in the open
air, guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather.
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Last updated:
Monday, 07-Feb-2005 12:05:18 CST
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