Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The department of physics and astronomy within The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences has announced its spring 2005 schedule of free public viewing events. The next in the series will be Feb. 18.

Dr. Ronald Buta, professor of astronomy, will give a short lecture on the moon and Saturn before guests look through UA’s new telescope on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the dome on top of Gallalee Hall.

All are welcome to view the sky through UA’s facilities using the new, 16-inch reflector telescope, installed in January. Gallalee Hall is located on the UA campus near the intersection of Hackberry Lane and University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa.

A pioneer in the teaching of astronomy, UA recently purchased the telescope to replace one that had served as the University’s primary telescope since 1950. The older telescope was purchased by an antique telescope collector.

The new, Ritchey-Chretien reflector telescope has two and one-half times the light gathering power of the old one, computer positioning, and allows the use of digital imaging instruments. It is the third main telescope in UA’s history.

UA faculty members will present short lectures that will highlight the viewing subjects. All events will be held in Gallalee Hall with dates, times and speakers as follows:

• Friday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at Gallalee Hall — Dr. Ronald Buta will present the moon and Saturn
• Friday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Gallalee Hall — Dr. Raymond White will present star clusters, galaxies and Saturn
• Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m. at Gallalee Hall — Dr. Gene Byrd will present Jupiter and Saturn

Although deep sky observing sessions sometimes utilize UA telescopes located in Moundville Archaeological Park, all public viewings presently scheduled will be in Gallalee Hall.

For more information on events or questions about weather and event scheduling, please visit www.astr.ua.edu/PublicNights.html or call the department of physics and astronomy at 205/348-5050. Large groups are encouraged to call and give advanced notice so the department can plan accordingly.

The department of physics and astronomy is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences. The College is the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state with 6,600 students and 360 faculty. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, and memberships on the “USA Today” Academic All American Team.