Fall 2014 Observatory Viewing Sessions Set at UW-River Falls

Sept. 10, 2014--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its fall season of free, public observatory viewings and astronomy discussions on Sept. 24.   

The first stargazing session on Wednesday, Sept. 24, beings with a talk, "Why Tom Hanks Wasn't Really Lost in 'Castaway': The Sun's Analemma" by physics Professor Eileen Korenic at 8 p.m. in 271 Centennial Science Hall. Then, if the night is clear, a telescope viewing session will follow at 8:30 p.m. on the third floor observation deck. 

A faculty member and/or student will staff each telescope and be available to answer questions. Objects to be seen in the telescopes include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.    

To verify that the sky is clear enough for viewing, call 715-425-3560 after 6 p.m. or visit www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/Schedule.cfm. The talks, set for 8 p.m., will go on as scheduled regardless of the weather.   

Since the viewing dome is unheated and the observation deck is outside, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. The viewings and talks are suitable for all ages.   

Other viewings this fall include:   

• Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m., "The 100th Anniversary of the HR Diagram: How the Stars Got Their 'Spots'" presented by Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck.   
• Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m., "Astronomy and Christmas: A Collection of Presents" presented by Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck.   

For more information about the observatory, email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu or about pre-observatory talks, email eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu or call the UWRF Physics Department at 715-425-3560.