UW-River Falls Hosts Public Astronomy Talk and Observatory Viewing March 13

March 1, 2013--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department is hosting a free, public observatory viewing and astronomy talk on Wednesday, March 13. At 8 p.m., Physics Professor Eileen Korenic will present a talk, "Fastest, Coldest, Biggest:  Cosmic Extremes," 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 open 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. 

The last talk/viewing of the semester is: 

April 16, 8 p.m., "Gas Giant 5:  The Solar System's Lost Planet" presented by Eileen Korenic in Room 271 Centennial Science Hall and then at 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing (waxing crescent moon) on the third floor observatory deck. 

For more information, contact the UWRF Physics Department at 715-425-3560.