Behlen Observatory public night is April 8

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Behlen Observatory near Mead will be open for public viewing from 7 to 11 p.m. April 8.

Since daylight-saving time will be in effect, the sun will not set until 8 p.m. Prior to that, if the sky is sufficiently clear, a small solar telescope will be set up outside of the observatory. It will be possible to see any spots that happen to be on the face of the sun that day.

Provided the sky is clear, visitors will be able to view a variety of objects with the observatory's 30-inch telescope and with smaller telescopes set up outside of the observatory. These include the planets Saturn and Jupiter, several double stars, the Orion Nebula, and two star clusters.

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and its four largest moons are about the same size as the planet Mercury. They are easily visible in the telescope. The planet itself presents a stunning sight with its dark and light bands. These cloud patterns constantly change so that the planet never looks the same twice. The Great Red Spot, a large cyclone in the atmosphere of Jupiter, can sometimes be seen. Unlike terrestrial cyclones it has persisted for several centuries and is several times the size of the Earth.

Several times during the evening, Ed Schmidt, professor of physics and astronomy, will present an illustrated talk about the objects visible in the evening sky and the objects to be observed with the telescopes.

There is no admission charge for the public nights. Further information can be found on the observatory Web site (astro.unl.edu/observatory) or by calling Schmidt 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) 472-7304