WHEN: Friday, Dec. 5, 7-10 p.m.
WHERE: UNL Student Observatory, Stadium Boulevard and T Street
Lincoln, Neb., Dec. 2, 2003 -- The UNL Student Observatory will be open for a public viewing Dec. 5 from 7 -10 p.m., weather permitting.
The evening will start with viewing of the planet Mars. Mars now appears to be only half the size it appeared to be during its record-breaking close approach in August, but this is partly compensated for by Mars now being higher in the sky. At this month's public viewing Mars will be showing the same side toward the earth as during the close approach in the summer, and visitors who saw Mars in August might like to see it again to appreciate the changes that have taken place in the last few months.
The second featured object will be the waxing gibbous moon. The big telescope at the observatory gives superb views of the many craters on the moon. The evening will end with a chance to get a first look of the season at the majestic ringed planet Saturn. The rings of Saturn are near their maximum opening this year. Although Saturn will be visible from 8 p.m. onward, the view will be best after 9.
The UNL Student Observatory is located on the roof of the Parking Garage across from Memorial Stadium at the corner of Stadium Blvd. and T streets. Parking is available on the roof of the garage near the observatory. There is no charge for admission to the observatory. Children of all ages are particularly welcome. Note that the observatory is unheated and that it is very cold at night so it is important to dress warmly. The observatory will not be open if it is mostly overcast.
The next public night will be Jan. 16.
For more information about the Student Observatory contact the observatory coordinator, Dr. Martin Gaskell, at (402) 472-4788 or e-mail mgaskell1@unl.edu, or visit Department of Physics .
CONTACT: Martin Gaskell, Student Observatory, (402) 472-4788
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Posted by Tom Simons, Office of University Communications
Phone: (402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825