The evening viewing begins with Jupiter low in the “Southwestern” sky. The moon will set early this evening allowing beautiful star clusters and galaxies (weather providing) to be observed. These include the ancient globular star cluster M 15, youthful open star clusters (such as the double cluster in Perseus) and bright galaxies (such as the Andromeda Galaxy). By the end of the viewing session beautiful winter constellations such as Orion are seen in rising above the eastern horizon. Note that this is the last Public Night of the Fall 2009 Semester. Public Nights begin again in Late January 2010.

On hand to guide viewing will be S.U. Physics Department faculty and talented observers from the Williamson County Astronomy Club. Fountainwood Viewing Nights are always FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The Observatory is located on the northeast side of campus adjacent to the Rockwell Baseball Field.

For up-to-date news and information about public viewing nights - including weather-related updates - call the Fountainwood Observatory Hotline at 512/ 863-1242.