UA Announces Fall Astronomy Observatory Events

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The department of physics and astronomy within The University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences has announced its fall schedule of free public viewing events.

During the events, the public will be invited to view selected celestial objects, including the moon, Mars and Saturn, through the department’s refractory telescope located atop Gallalee Hall at the corner of Hackberry Lane and University Boulevard.

UA faculty members will also present lectures highlighting the viewing subject. One session this term will be at the Moundville Archaeological Park, where viewers will have access to a 16-inch and 17-inch telescope.

The event dates, times, locations and speakers are as follows:

Friday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. (Gallalee Hall), Dr. Ron Buta,
The Moon, Mars

Friday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m. (Gallalee Hall), Speaker to be determined,
Crescent Moon, Mars

Friday, Oct.12, 7 p.m. (Moundville), Dr. Bill Keel,
Deep-sky observing – nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies

Friday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m. (Gallalee Hall), Dr. Gene Byrd,
The Moon, Saturn (Homecoming weekend)

Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. (Gallalee Hall), Dr. Ray White,
Saturn

Friday, Dec.14, 3-4:30 p.m. (Gallalee Hall), Dr. Bill Keel,
Partial solar eclipse

For more information on events or questions regarding weather and event scheduling, contact the department of physics and astronomy at 205/348-5050.

Contact

Lance Skelly, Office of Media Relations, (205) 348-3782

Source

Dr. Bill Keel, (205) 348-1641