UW-River Falls Hosts Public Astronomy Talk and Observatory Viewing April 16

April 2, 2013--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department is hosting its last free, public observatory viewing and astronomy talk of the semester on Tuesday, April 16. At 8 p.m., Physics Professor Eileen Korenic will present a talk, "Gas Giant 5:  The Solar System's Lost Planet," in Room 271 of the Centennial Science Hall and then at 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing (waxing crescent moon) is available on the third floor observatory deck.  

All observatory viewings are dependent on a clear sky. Call 715-425-3560 after 6 p.m. or visit www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/Schedule.cfm and click on "observatory" to verify that the sky is clear enough for viewing. The talk will go on as scheduled regardless of the weather. 

A Physics Department faculty member and/or student will staff each telescope and be available to answer questions at each telescope session. Observers are encouraged to stay and look at as many elements as possible and feel free to request personal observing targets. Objects seen in the telescopes may include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars. 

Since the dome is unheated and the observation 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. For more information, contact the UWRF Physics Department at 715-425-3560.