Behlen Observatory Public Night Is Jan. 30

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 30, 7 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Behlen Observatory, near Mead

Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 28, 2004 -- The next public night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory near Mead will be Jan. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. In addition to viewing through the observatory's 30-inch reflecting telescope, a slideshow talk will be given by professor Ed Schmidt on the topic "Three Planets and the Moon: Tonight's Sky."

The observatory hosts monthly public nights during the school year, in addition to a larger open house event each semester. 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 Nebraska 63 (approximately six miles north of Ceresco) and turn right 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 on 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 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.

CONTACT: Kevin Lee, Research Asst. Professor, Physics & Astronomy, (402) 472-3686