April 19, 2013

Astronomy observations set for April 20, 22

by Jance Staten

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Department of Physics is hosting two public astronomy observations in celebration of Astronomy Day, which is Saturday, April 20.

The observation dates are April 20, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Monday, April 22, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.  Each event is at the observation deck on the A-wing roof of the James W. Neckers Building.  Participants should follow signs from Neckers 456 up the southwest stairs.

The observations will occur weather permitting, and space is limited. The events are free, and open to all ages, although an adult must accompany children.

Participants are welcome to use the several available telescopes to fully view the sky. Highlights of the Saturday observation include viewings of Jupiter, Saturn and the moon.   On Monday, the daytime observation will give participants the opportunity to view sunspots and other solar features utilizing the Coronado Solarmax II Solar scope and other scopes with solar filters.

For more details, contact Robert Baer at 618/ 453-2729 or visit www.physics.siu.edu/events/astronomy