This recent photo shows Jupiter as seen through the UA telescope.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The public is invited to view Jupiter and the moon in the next sky-viewing session at The University of Alabama on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m.

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

Prior to the sky viewing, Dr. Benjamin Harms, UA professor of physics and astronomy, will give a public talk to discuss “Is the Large Hadron Collider a Doomsday Machine?” at 7:30 p.m. in 227 Gallalee.

Additional sky viewings for the fall are:

Friday, Oct. 24 -- 8-10:30 p.m., Moundville, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies hosted by Drs. Bill Keel and Ron Buta.

Friday, Oct 31 -- 8 p.m., atop Gallalee (UA Homecoming weekend), the moon hosted by Keel

Friday, Dec. 5 -- 7 p.m., atop Gallalee, the moon hosted by Dr. Jack Sulentic

For more information about scheduled events, phone 205/348-5050 or see http://www.astr.ua.edu/Public.html. All sky viewings are contingent on the weather. Cloudy conditions are not conducive to star gazing. Please give advance notice if you plan to bring a large group. Also note that parking restrictions are in effect the Friday before all UA home football games. The CrimsonRide Transit system will be available for the astronomy nights, for more information please visit www.crimsonride.ua.edu.

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. 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.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.