Public astronomy talks and observatory viewings 

September 11, 2019 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its fall season of free public observatory viewings and astronomy talks on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The viewings and talks are suitable for all ages.

The Sept. 24 stargazing (waning crescent moon, Saturn and Neptune) session includes Physics Professor Eileen Korenic presenting "Death of Opportunity on Mars” 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. Objects seen include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.

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 talks 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:

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m., “Multiple Messengers from Space: Waves and Particles from a Galaxy Far, Far Away" presented by Associate Professor of Physics and Chair Suruj Seunarine in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by telescope viewing (new moon, Uranus and Neptune) on the third-floor observation deck at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m., "Gravity, Relativity and the Milky Way” by Physics Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by telescope viewing (waning crescent moon, Uranus) on the third-floor observation deck at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.

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