Jupiter to Highlight Friday's Public Night at Student Observatory

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 27, 7-10 p.m.
WHERE: Student Observatory, roof of Stadium Parking Garage, 10th and T Streets

Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 25, 2004 -- Jupiter, the king of the planets, is back in the evening sky and will be one of four planets featured at this month's UNL Student Observatory public night from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.

The evening will start with viewing of the planet Venus, the very bright planet in the west after sunset. Venus will appear as a brilliant white gibbous disk. Moving along the zodiac away from the sunset, the next planet is the red planet Mars. Sinus Meridiani, the location of NASA's Opportunity rover, will be visible, but Mars is now more than four times further away than it was during its close approach last August.

Saturn, "the Lord of the Rings," will be well-placed throughout the evening. This is a superb year for viewing Saturn as it is at its closest to the earth and the rings are almost as wide open as they get.

Jupiter is the largest of the planets in the solar system. The famous Great Red Spot will be centrally placed on the planet between 8 and 10 p.m. At 8:40 Jupiter's innermost satellite, Io, will disappear into Jupiter's shadow.

The moon will be exactly first quarter at 9:24 p.m. during the viewing session and it will be possible to see the many craters through a variety of telescopes.

There is no charge for admission to the observatory. Children of all ages are particularly welcome. Visitors are reminded that the observatory is unheated, so it is important to dress warmly. The observatory will not be open if it is totally overcast. If in doubt call the observatory at 472-4728. The UNL Student Observatory is located on the roof of the Stadium Parking Garage at the corner of 10th and T streets. Parking is available on the roof of the garage near the observatory.

For more information about the Student Observatory contact the observatory coordinator, Martin Gaskell at (402) 472-4788 or by e-mail, or visit the observatory's Web site. The next public viewing will be March 25.

CONTACT: Martin Gaskell, Senior Lecturer, Physics & Astronomy, (402) 472-4788