See Four Planets, Moon through UA Telescopes

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The moon and four planets are among the celestial objects visitors can peer at through University of Alabama telescopes during public sky viewings throughout the semester.

The first opportunity comes Jan. 26 when visitors can use the telescope in the observatory atop Gallalee Hall from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. to look at the moon and Jupiter. Hosted by Dr. Phil Hardee, a professor in UA’s department of physics and astronomy, this event is held in conjunction with UA’s annual high-school physics contest, but the general public is also welcome to attend.

At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, the public is invited to view the moon, Venus and Jupiter. Also held within the Gallalee observatory, this event is hosted by Dr. Dean Townsley, assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy.

From 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. March 23, the public is invited to UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park to view nebulae and star clusters through UA telescopes. Hosted by Drs. Ron Buta and William Keel, professors in physics and astronomy, the free viewing will use three telescopes on pads in a field across the road from the Moundville Archaeological Park’s museum.

Returning to campus March 27, the public can view Mars and the moon through the UA telescope atop Gallalee Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. This session is hosted by Dr. Jimmy Irwin, UA assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

At 7:30 p.m. on April 27, the public can view Saturn and the moon from the Gallalee observatory. This session is hosted by Buta.

And, in the final session before fall, visitors can use UA telescopes, equipped with solar filters, to view the transit of Venus from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. June 5. This event, hosted by Keel, is also scheduled for the Gallalee observatory. This will be Venus’ last pass in front of the sun until Dec. 10, 2117.

All sky viewings are contingent upon the weather. Cloudy skies are not conducive to viewing. For more information about scheduled events, phone 205/348-5050, or click here.

Gallalee Hall is located at the northeast corner of University Boulevard and Hackberry Drive, less than a block from Denny Chimes.

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.