UWRF Hosts Public Astronomy Talks and Observatory Viewings

Jan. 29, 2013--The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Physics Department begins its spring season of free, public observatory viewings and astronomy talks on Feb. 12. Objects to be seen in the telescopes include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons, and double stars. 

The first stargazing (waxing crescent moon) session on Feb. 12 will include Physics Professor Eileen Korenic presenting "The Comets Are Coming!" at 8 p.m. in Room 271, Centennial Science Hall. The discussion precedes the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observation deck. 

All observatory viewings are dependent on a clear sky. Please 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. 

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. 

Other talks/viewings this semester include: 

• March 13, 8 p.m., "Fastest, Coldest, Biggest:  Cosmic Extremes" 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. 
• 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. 

Email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu for more information about the observatory or eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu for more information about the astronomy talks.