Behlen Observatory Public Night Is March 26

Released on 03/16/2004, at 12:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

WHEN: Friday, Mar. 26, 2004

WHERE: Behlen Observatory, near Mead

Lincoln, Neb., March 16th, 2004 — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory near Mead will be open to the public from 7-10 p.m. March 26.

All five of the planets which are bright enough to see with the unaided eye, as well as the quarter moon, will be visible at the beginning of the evening. Mercury, Venus, Mars, the moon, Saturn and Jupiter will be spread across the sky in a line from the western to the eastern horizon. If the sky is clear, visitors will be able to view these objects through the observatory's 30-inch telescope or other smaller telescopes set up outside of the observatory.

Venus exhibits a series of phases and will appear to be about half illuminated, much like the quarter moon. The rings of Saturn are clearly visible in the telescopes while Jupiter presents an impressive sight with its dark and light bands of cloud and four bright moons.

At various times throughout the evening, members of the observatory staff will give presentations. These include a talk describing the objects in the evening sky and a talk on the recent finding of evidence of water on Mars by the Rover mission.

Directions to Behlen Observatory:

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