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Spring semester public astronomy talks and observatory viewings
 

January 29, 2020 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its spring season of free public observatory viewings and astronomy talks on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The talks and viewings are suitable for all ages in the Centennial Science Hall (CSH), located at the corner of 6th Street and E. Cascade Ave.

Following a talk, a faculty member and/or student will staff each telescope and be available to answer questions at each session. Observers are encouraged to stay and look at as many elements as possible and request personal observing targets. Objects to be seen include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars.

All observatory viewings are dependent on a clear sky. 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. Talks will go on in 271 CSH as scheduled regardless of the sky.

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

Sessions this semester are:

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m., "Betelgeuse Dimming: Ready to Supernova?" presented by physics Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 CSH followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing session (waning crescent moon) on the observation deck on third floor.

CANCELLED - Wednesday, March 18, 8 p.m., "The Oldest Material on Earth: 7-Billion-Year-Old Stardust”  presented by physics Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 CSH followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing session (waning crescent moon).

Wednesday, April 29, 8 p.m., "Megaconstellations of Satellites: How Many is Too Many?” by physics Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 CSH, followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing session (waxing crescent moon).

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

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