Behlen Observatory Public Night Is Feb. 20

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 20, 7-10 p.m.
WHERE: Behlen Observatory, near Mead

Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 17, 2004 -- The next public night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory near Mead will be Feb. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. In addition to viewing through the 30-inch reflector telescope, Professor Ed Schmidt will provide information on current sky details.

There will be four planets in the evening sky -- Venus (early evening), Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter (late evening). Additionally, the Orion Nebula will be visible. There will also be a slide show narrated by a member of the observatory staff describing the objects to be observed in the telescope.

Research assistant professor Kevin Lee will talk about the spacecraft Voyager leaving the solar system. Information from the craft will help determine where the Sun's influence ends and where interstellar space begins.

The observatory hosts monthly public nights during the school year, in addition to a larger open house event each semester. It 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.

For more information, visit the Behlen Observatory Web site.

Directions to Behlen Observatory:

From Lincoln: Take U.S. 77 north to Nebraska 63 (about six miles north of Ceresco) and turn right (east) on 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.

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