Fall Observatory Viewing Sessions Set at UW-River Falls

Sept. 9, 2011—The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its fall season of free, public observatory viewings and astronomy discussions on Sept. 21.

The first stargazing session includes an introductory discussion by physics Professor Eileen Korenic, who will present "Full 'Circle:' Discovery of Neptune" at 8 p.m. in Room 271, Centennial Science Hall. The discussion precedes the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing 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  www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/Observatory.cfm and click on "observatory" to verify that the sky is clear enough for viewing. The talk, set at 8 p.m., will go on as scheduled.

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 fall include:

Oct. 19, 8 p.m., "Worlds Beyond the Solar System:  Extra-Solar Planets" presented by Matt Vonk in Room 271 Centennial Science Hall and then at 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck.

Nov. 16, 8 p.m., "The Star of Bethlehem" by Eileen Korenic in Room 271 Centennial Science Hall and then at 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