Behlen Observatory public night is Nov. 19

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory will be open to the public from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 19.

Provided the sky is clear, visitors will be able to view the moon, the planet Uranus, a globular star cluster, an open star cluster, the Ring Nebula, and several double stars through the 30-inch telescope or other smaller telescopes set up outside of the observatory.

The first-quarter moon will be viewed early in the evening while it is still high in the sky. At that phase the shadows on its surface produce a vivid view of the craters, mountains and maria (or "seas"). By comparing the view through the 30-inch telescope with that through its finder telescope or the smaller telescopes, visitors can gain a clear impression of the surface of our nearest celestial neighbor. At various times throughout the evening, a member of the observatory staff will give a slide talk describing the objects in the evening sky.

There is no admission charge.

Directions to the Observatory:

From LINCOLN: Take U.S. 77 north to six miles past Ceresco, turn east on Nebraska 63 and go eight miles to 10th Street (which is the road to Mead). At that corner there is a large brown sign on the left that 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 until you reach 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 until you reach Eighth Street. Turn left on Eighth Street and follow it north 0.6 miles to the observatory, which will be seen on the left.

CONTACT: Ed Schmidt, Professor, Physics & Astronomy, (402) 472-2891