Spring observatory viewing sessions set at UW-River Falls

The UW-River Falls physics department began its spring season of free, public observatory viewings and astronomy discussions on Feb. 24.

The first stargazing session on Tuesday, Feb. 24, began with a talk, "Cosmographics:  Images of the Cosmos Over Time" by physics Professor Eileen Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall. A telescope viewing session followed shortly thereafter on the third floor observation deck. Jupiter is usually visible as well as a waxing crescent moon.

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

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.

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.

Other viewings this spring include:

• 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25: "'Intersteller': Did Hollywood Get it Right?" presented by Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck, if the sky is clear.
• 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14: "Pluto by July 2015: New Horizons Spacecraft Update" presented by Korenic in 271 Centennial Science Hall, followed by an 8:30 p.m. telescope viewing on the third floor observatory deck, if the sky is clear.

For more information about the observatory, email glenn.spiczack@uwrf.edu or for more information about pre-observatory talks, email eileen.korenic@uwrf.edu or call the UWRF physics department at 715-425-3560.