When: Friday, Oct. 11, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Behlen Observatory, near Mead
Behlen open house Web site: physics.unl.edu
/directory/lee/bo/bo-hp.html
Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 8, 2002 -- Views of ring nebula or the globular cluster M15 in Pegasus are possible Oct. 11 during the fall public night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory southeast of Mead. The observatory will be open to the public from 7 to 10 p.m.
The term planetary nebula is a misnomer. They actually have nothing to do with planets but appeared similar to planets to early astronomers through primitive telescopes. They are stars in the later stages of their lives that have blown a shell of material off into space. When observed through the observatory's 30-inch reflector, these objects many look like a ring, while others are considerably more stretched and distorted.
The following speakers from UNL's department of physics and astronomy are tentatively scheduled to give slide show talks in the North Concourse on these topics:
"What is an Orbit?" 7:15-7:45 p.m.--Roger Kirby will survey concepts from introductory physics such as centripetal acceleration and gravity and how they can be used to explain orbits.
"A Tour of Kitt Peak," 8-8:30 p.m.--Kevin Lee will provide a pictorial tour of the past and present of the Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson, Ariz. He will discuss the capabilties of its instruments: the WIYN telescope, the 4-meter, and the 2.1-meter.
"Objects in Tonight's Sky," 8:45-9:15 p.m.--Ed Schmidt will cover details on the planetary nebulae and globular clusters presently visible.
At least one slide show talk will be given by the astronomy faculty regardless of whether the weather allows telescopic viewing. Amateur astronomers from the Lincoln and Omaha astronomy clubs may bring their telescopes to share astronomical viewing with the public, near the south end of the observatory. Excellent views of the Andromeda Galaxy may be possible.
All observatory activities are weather permitting.
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.
From Fremont: Take U.S. 77 south to Mead and follow the same directions as from Omaha.
Contact: Contact: Kevin Lee, Physics & Astronomy, (402)
472-3686 (klee6@unl.edu)
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825