Valparaiso University Observatory Open House Schedule

Valparaiso University

OBSERVATORY

International Year of Astronomy 2009 - Fall

The Department of Physics & Astronomy, Valparaiso University has scheduled a series of public astronomy programs to celebrate locally the IYA2009. We have expanded our regular Observatory Open House program to include a popular, illustrated public talk on each of these evenings (though see special lectures noted below). This will be followed by telescope viewing at the VU Observatory (clear nights) or constellation program at the VU Planetarium (cloudy nights). These are free and the public is invited.

Open House Schedule

7:30 - 8:15 pm Public Lecture, Neils Science Center, Rm 224
8:30 - 9:30 pm Observatory (clear skies) -or- Planetarium, Neils Science Center (cloudy skies/poor weather)

DATE
SPEAKER
AFFILIATION AND TOPIC
Aug. 28
Dr. Todd Hillwig
Valparaiso University
"Ancient Astronomy"
Wednesday
Sept. 09
Dr. Owen Gingerich
Special Public Lecture (7:30 pm, Neils 234)
Harvard University
"Kepler, Galileo, and the Brith of Modern Astronomy"
Thursday
Sept. 10
Dr. Owen Gingerich
Special Public Lecture (6:30 pm, Christopher Center Community Room)
Harvard University
"The Divine Handiwork: Evolution and the Wonder of Life"
Sept. 11
Observatory or Planetarium Open (8:30 - 9:30 pm)
Followed by: SARA Public Observing 9:30 - 10:30 in Neils 224
Oct. 02
Dr. David Bradstreet
Eastern University
"Understanding the Night Sky"
Oct. 03
Fall Astronomy Day Activities
See web page for details
Oct. 09
Dr. Bruce Hrivnak
Valparaiso University
"Astronomy with the Hubble Space Telescope"
Oct. 23
Dr. Shawn Slavin
Purdue University Calumet
"Searching for the Elephant in the Room: The Quest to Understand Dark Matter"
Followed by: SARA Public Observing 9:30 - 10:30 in Neils 224
Nov. 06
Dr. Peter Garnavich
Notre Dame University
"A Decade of Dark Energy"
Dec. 04
Dr. Bruce Hrivnak
Valparaiso University
"The Christmas Star"

Come and enjoy the International Year of Astronomy, 2009 with us through our series of public talks, planetarium programs, and views of the moon, planets, star clusters and galaxies through the University's computer-controlled telescope.

(Groups should make advance arrangements by calling (219) 464-5369.)

Call (219) 464-5202 or visit this website after 5 p.m. on these dates to confirm if the weather is clear enough for the Observatory to open. If the Observatory is not open due to cloudy skies, there will be a planetarium presentation at the Neils Science Center. Both of these will follow the public talk each night.

See the map below for the locations of the observatory and Neils Science Center.

If you have comments or questions about this page or its contents please contact:

Dr. Bruce Hrivnak


This Page Last Updated 13 January 2009, tch
Physics and Astronomy