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.

The public is invited to view selected celestial objects including Venus, the moon and Saturn through the department’s refracting telescope in the dome on top of Gallalee Hall, located at the northeast corner of University Boulevard and Hackberry Drive.

One session will view deep sky events from the two telescopes in Moundville Archaeological Park. Those telescopes are set up on a pad in the field across the road from the museum. The park does not charge after-hours admission for this program.

UA faculty members will present short lectures that will highlight the viewing subjects. The event dates, times, locations and speakers are as follows:

• Friday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. (Gallalee Hall; Family Weekend), Dr. Jack Sulentic, Venus, the Ring Nebula
• Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. (Gallalee Hall; Homecoming Weekend), Dr. Gene Byrd, the moon
• Friday, Oct. 25, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., (Moundville), Dr. Bill Keel, deep-sky observing: nebulae, star clusters and galaxies
• Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., (Gallalee Hall), Dr. Ray White, the moon, Saturn

For more information on events or questions about weather and event scheduling, contact the department of physics and astronomy at 205/348-5050. Large groups are encouraged to call and give advanced warning so the department may plan accordingly.

Additional information may also be obtained from the department’s web site at www.astr.ua.edu/PublicNights.html.