UA Astronomers Invite Community to View Star Clusters

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama astronomers invite the community to view star clusters and nebulae in the next Public Night sky-viewing session Friday, Nov. 20 from 7 until 10 p.m. at the Moundville Archaeological Park.  

Hosted by Drs. Bill Keel and Ron Buta, professors in UA’s department of physics and astronomy, the free viewing will enable the public to use 17- and 20-inch telescopes on pads in a field across the road from the Moundville park’s museum. All sky viewings are contingent upon the weather.

Parking is available at the museum and near the park’s conference center.  Advance notice is requested if you plan to bring a large group.

An additional Public Night for the fall semester will be Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. This event, hosted by Keel, begins with a public talk in 227 Gallalee Hall, followed by a viewing of the moon and Jupiter, beginning at 8 p.m., from the telescope on the Gallalee roof.  

Gallalee Hall is located near the intersection of Hackberry Lane and University Boulevard. For more information about scheduled events, phone 205/348-5050 or go online to http://www.astr.ua.edu/Public.html

UA’s department of physics and astronomy is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All-American Teams.