Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 2, 2000 - Views of planetary nebulae or the globular cluster M15 in Pegasus are possible Oct. 6 during the fall public night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory southeast of Mean. The observatory will be open to the public from 7 to 10 p.m.
If weather permits it may be possible to look at some objects far beyond the solar system through the observatory's 30-inch reflector telescope. There are two such possibilities in the fall sky and both are planetary nebulae. The term planetary nebula is a misnomer, said Behlen coordinator Kevin Lee. They actually have nothing to do with planets but appeared similar to planets to early astronomers using primitive telescopes. They are stars in the later stages of their lives that have blown a shell of material off into space. Some of the objects look like rings, while others are considerably more stretched and distorted. The globular cluster M15 in Pegasus may also be in view.
A special treat of recent public nights at Behlen Observatory has been the amateur astronomers from the Lincoln and Omaha astronomy clubs, who bring their telescopes to share astronomical viewing with the public. They will be located outside near the south end of the observatory. All observatory activities are weather permitting.
UNL physics and astronomy department speakers are also tentatively scheduled to give slide show talks in the north concourse:
- "Seasons and the Path of the Sun," 7:15-7:45. Lee will discuss the Earth's obliquity (its orbital tilt) and how this leads to seasons.
- "The Temperatures of Stars," 8-8:30. Edgar Pearlstein will explore the nature of temperature and stars' variety of surface temperatures and colors.
- "The Vacuum Catastrophe: The Biggest Problem in Science," 8:45-9:15. Herman Batelaan will discuss how the two new physics theories that emerged in the 20th century, quantum mechanics and general relativity, are providing a major conflict. Quantum mechanics forms the basis of our understanding of atomic processes, such as the creation of light and the formation of molecules, and led to the development of practical devices such as the laser. General relativity forms the basis of our understanding of gravitational processes.
Behlen Observatory is located at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center a few miles southeast of Mead, and about 35 miles from either Omaha or Lincoln.
Directions to Behlen Observatory:
From Lincoln: Take U.S. 77 north to about one-half mile past Swedeburg and turn east on Nebraska 63. Follow Highway 63 for about seven miles to 10th Street (same as Nebraska Spur 78F) where there is a sign to Mead. Turn left and go one mile north to Avenue H. Turn right on Avenue H and continue east about two miles to Eighth Street. Turn left Eighth Street and follow it north about 0.7 miles to the observatory, which will be seen to the left.
From Omaha: Take Nebraska 92 west to Mead. At Mead turn south on
Nebraska Spur 78F and follow it about five miles to Avenue H. Turn left
on Avenue H and continue east about two miles until to Eighth Street.
Turn left on Eighth street and follow it north about 0.7 miles to the
observatory, which will be seen to the left.
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For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825