Behlen Observatory Public Night Is April 23

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory will be open to the public on the evening of April 23 from 8 to 11 p.m., featuring the four brightest planets, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.

Weather permitting, visitors will be able to view these objects through the observatory's 30-inch reflector 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 its four bright moons.

At various times throughout the evening, members of the observatory staff will give presentations describing the objects in the evening sky.

There is no admission charge.

Directions to the Observatory:

From Lincoln: Take U.S. 77 north. Six miles past Ceresco, turn east on Nebraska 63 and go eight miles to 10th Street (the road to Mead). At that corner there is a large brown sign on the left which lists a number of locations on the field lab, including Behlen Observatory. Turn left and go one mile north to Avenue H. Turn right on Avenue H and continue east two miles to Eighth Street. Turn left on Eighth Street and follow it north 0.6 miles to the observatory, which will be seen on 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 two miles to Eighth Street. Turn left on Eighth Street and follow it north 0.6 miles to the observatory, which will be seen on left.

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