Fall observatory viewing sessions set at UW-River Falls

The UW-River Falls physics department begins its fall season of free, public observatory viewings and astronomy discussions on Oct. 8.

The first stargazing session at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in 271 Centennial Science Hall, beings with a talk, “Solar Max 2013:  Where Did It Go?” by physics Professor Eileen Korenic. If the night is clear, a telescope viewing session will follow at 8:30 p.m., on the third floor observation deck.

A faculty member and/or student will staff each telescope and be available to answer questions. Objects to be seen in the telescopes include planets, globular clusters, open clusters, nebulae, galaxies, moons and double stars.

Since the viewing dome is unheated and the observation deck is outside, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. The viewings and talks are suitable for all ages.
To verify that the sky is clear enough for viewing, call 715-425-3560 after 6 p.m. or visit www.uwrf.edu/PHYS/Schedule.cfm. The talks, set for 8 p.m., will go on as scheduled regardless of the weather.

Other viewings this fall include:
At 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, in 271 Centennial Science Hall,  “Henges and Megaliths and Cairns, Oh My!: Astronomical Structures in Great Britain” presented by student Anthony Tumbarello, followed by the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck.

At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, in 271 Centennial Science Hall, “The Star of Bethlehem” presented by Korenic, followed by the 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck.

For more information about the observatory, email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu or about pre-observatory talks, email eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu.