Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 3, 1997 - The giant planets Jupiter and Saturn will be featured Oct. 3 at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln's Behlen Observatory near Mead during free public viewing from 8-11 p.m.
Jupiter's belts and four bright moons are easily seen through the Behlen telescope, as is Saturn's ring. When viewing conditions are good, astronomers say Saturn and its ring show a beauty through the telescope that is rarely seen in photographs of the planet.
Don Taylor, associate professor of physics and astronomy at UNL and director of the observatory, said that if time permits it may be possible to view objects far beyond the solar system, including the ring and dumbbell nebulas. Taylor said amateur astronomers from the Lincoln and Omaha astronomy clubs will also be on hand with their telescopes available to the public for sky viewing.
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.
From Lincoln, take U.S. Highway 77 north to Nebraska Highway 63 and turn right (east). Follow highway 63 for about seven miles to 10th Street (Nebraska Spur 78F) where there is a sign to Mead. Turn left (north) and go one mile to Avenue H. Turn right (east) on Avenue H and continue about two miles to Eighth Street. Turn left (north) on Eighth Street and follow it about 0.7 mile to the observatory, which will be on the left (west) side of the road.
From Omaha, take Nebraska Highway 92 west to Mead and turn left (south) on Nebraska Spur 78F. Follow Spur 78F about five miles to Avenue H. Turn left (east) on Avenue H and continue about two miles to Eighth Street. Turn left (north) on Eighth Street and follow it about 0.7 mile to the observatory, which will be on the left (west) side of the road.
From Fremont, take U.S. Highway 77 south to Nebraska Highway
92 and turn left (east) to Mead, then follow the same directions
from Mead as detailed above.
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