Southwestern's large research-quality reflecting telescope was donated to the Physics Department by Max Allen, a local engineer and builder who was also an amateur astronomer. This Meade LX-200 with Schmidt-Cassegrain* optics and a 16" primary mirror has a digital CCD camera for taking digital images that can be viewed and processed on a computer. This instrument is used by faculty and students for research, and programs of general interest to the public are conducted each month during the academic year.
Next Public ViewingPUBLIC NIGHT: FRIDAY, September 17, 2010, from 8:00 PM CDT to 10:30 PM CDT The viewing begins with a waxing gibbous Moon in the South Eastern sky. Venus slips below the horizon just at the beginning of the public night while magnificent Jupiter and its Galilean moons rise in the east. As an extra bonus the planet Uranus lies slightly less than 1 degree to the northwest of Jupiter In addition to these three celestial wonders colorful brighter stars and multiple stars systems can be readily viewed in the moonlit fall sky. 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. Fall 2010 CalendarPUBLIC NIGHT: FRIDAY, September 17, 2010, from 8:00 PM CDT to 10:30 PM CDT Sunset 7:34 PM CST. End Astronomical Twilight 8:54 PM CDT. Moon, waxing gibbous, 76.52%. The Moon is visible during the public viewing. PUBLIC NIGHT: FRIDAY, October 15, 2010, from 8:00 PM CDT to 10:30 PM CDT Sunset 6:59 PM CDT. End Astronomical Twilight 8:19 PM CDT. Moon, waxing gibbous, 58%. The Moon is visible during the public viewing. PUBLIC NIGHT: FRIDAY, November 12, 2010, from 8:00 PM CST to 10:30 PM CST Sunset 5:35 PM CST. End Astronomical Twilight 6:58 PM CST. Moon, waxing crescent, 41%. The Moon is visible during the public viewing.
CST = Central Standard Time Note: The Sunset, End astronomical twilight, and presented below are taken from the USNO Data Service. Between sunset and the end of astronomical twilight only the brightest objects will be visible. Moon phase data computed at 9:00 PM using the TheSky™ V6.0 and using Austin, TX for coordinates. |
Observatory at Dusk
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