TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama astronomers invite the community to view the moon and Mars in the next Public Night sky-viewing session Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
The free viewing, hosted by Dr. Philip Hardee, professor in UA’s department of physics and astronomy, will use UA’s 16-inch research grade reflector telescope located in a dome on top of Gallalee Hall. The department’s annual high school physics contest begins the next day, Jan. 29, at 8 a.m. in the Ferguson Center ballroom. Contestants are invited to the viewing as special guests. The general public is also welcome.
Additional Public Nights for the spring semester include:
Friday, Feb. 19 – 7:30 p.m., Gallalee roof, viewing the moon and Mars (hosted by Dr. Jimmy Irwin, assistant professor)
Friday, March 5 – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Moundville Archaeological Park (across from the museum), star clusters and nebulae hosted by Dr. William Keel, professor
Tuesday, April 20 – 7:30 p.m., 227 Gallalee, public talk, host TBA.
8 p.m., Gallalee roof, viewing the moon and Jupiter, hosted by Dr. Dean Townsley, assistant professor
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. All sky viewings are contingent upon the weather. Please give advance notice if you plan to bring a large group.
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 Team.
Contact
Sarah Caroline Willcox, UA student writer, 205/348-4040; Chris Bryant, UA Media Relations, 205/348-8323, cbryant@ur.ua.edu
Source
Dr. William Keel, 205/348-1641, wkeel@bama.ua.edu