Saturn and spring sky at Student Observatory April 21

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Observatory will be open to the public from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 21, weather permitting, for viewing Saturn, Jupiter and other attractions of the spring sky.

The chief attraction of the evening will be the beautiful ringed planet Saturn. In the telescope the rings, moons and surface features of Saturn can be clearly seen. Saturn will be well-placed for viewing all evening.

"This is a great time of year for viewing Saturn," UNL astronomer Martin Gaskell said. "It's high in the sky early in the evening and the weather is getting warmer. If we are lucky and the air is steady one can see a lot of detail."

The giant planet Jupiter and its four biggest moons will be visible after 10 p.m.

There is no charge for admission to the observatory and children of all ages are particularly welcome. There will be astronomers on hand to answer questions.

The observatory will not be open if it is mostly cloudy. If in doubt about the weather, call the observatory at (402) 472-4728.

The observatory is located on the roof of the Stadium Drive Parking Garage, 10th and T streets. Parking is available on the roof of the garage near the observatory.

For more information about the Student Observatory contact Gaskell, the observatory coordinator, at (402) 472-4788 or by e-mail.

Next month's viewing will be on Friday, May 5, as part of Lincoln's Astronomy Day. Astronomy Day events will be held in Morrill Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.

CONTACT: Martin Gaskell, Research Assoc. Professor, Physics and Astronomy, (402) 472-4788