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Fall public astronomy talks and observatory viewings at UW-River Falls

 

September 27, 2018 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its fall season of free public observatory viewings and astronomy talks on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Objects to be seen include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.

The Oct. 9 stargazing (new moon) session includes Physics Professor Eileen Korenic presenting "Planetary Nebulae: How the Bunsen Burner Solved a Mystery” at 8 p.m. in 271 Centennial Science Hall, located at the corner of 6th Street and Cascade Ave. The discussion precedes the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third-floor observation deck. The viewings and talks are suitable for all ages.

All observatory viewings are dependent on a clear sky. Please call 715-425-3560 after 6 p.m. or visit https://www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/Observatory.cfm 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 request personal observing targets.

Since the dome is unheated and the observation deck is outside, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather.

Additional viewings this semester:

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m., “Hyabusa Missions: Falcons but not from River Falls" presented by Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by telescope viewing (new moon) on the third-floor observation deck at 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m., "Dark Energy: Does it ‘Matter’?” by Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by telescope viewing (waxing crescent moon) on the third-floor observation deck at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu or eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3560.

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