Behlen Observatory public night is Feb. 18

Provided the sky is clear, visitors to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory during its Feb. 18 public night will view a variety of objects through the observatory's 30-inch telescope and other smaller telescopes.

The observatory will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Although comet Machholz is fading, it will still be visible through the telescope. Additionally, the moon, the planet Saturn and the Orion Nebula will be observed. The Orion Nebula appears to the unaided eye as a faint star in the constellation Orion. However, the telescope reveals a glowing cloud of hot gas with numerous embedded stars. This is a region where stars are forming and all of those visible in the telescope have recently coalesced from the cloud.

At various times throughout the evening, a member of the observatory staff will present illustrated talks about the objects visible in the evening sky and the objects to be observed through the telescopes.

Additional public nights are scheduled for March 11 and April 8. Groups of at least 10 persons can also arrange a special visit to the observatory. Further information can be found on the observatory Web site or by calling Ed Schmidt, professor of physics and astronomy, at (402) 472-7304.

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