The largest fragment of the disintegrating comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, nucleus C, and its tail, are shown in this image taken May 1 from UA's 16-inch research grade reflector telescope. The background stars trailed as the telescope tracked the comet during this 4-minute exposure. (Photo courtesy Dr. William Keel, UA astronomy)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In addition to a close look at Jupiter, Saturn and the moon, the general public will have the opportunity, weather permitting, to catch glimpses of a large comet disintegrating in space during a public sky-viewing Friday, May 5 at 8 p.m. on The University of Alabama campus.

Hosted by Dr. Raymond White, professor in UA’s department of physics and astronomy, the free public viewing utilizes UA’s 16-inch research grade reflector telescope housed in the dome on top of Gallalee Hall. Gallalee Hall is located on the UA campus near the intersection of Hackberry Lane and University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa.

One view of the fragmented comet, as seen earlier this week from the UA telescope, is posted at http://www.astr.ua.edu/keel/telenews/. The disintegrating comet, known as Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, is making a close approach to Earth this month. For more information on the comet, also see http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/Comet_73P.html

Friday’s opportunity is the final public night event of the semester. For information on future public nights opportunities, all of which hinge on visible sky conditions, watch http://www.astr.ua.edu/PublicNights.html. For questions, call the department office at 205/348-5050.

UA’s department of physics and astronomy is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in Alabama with 355 faculty and 6,600 students. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, and memberships on the USA Today All-USA College Academic Team.