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 ViewingFRIDAY, April 27, 2012, 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM CDT.
The evening viewing begins with a waxing crescent moon high in the south western sky at sunset. As twilight slowly proceeds bright Venus will appear a little over 30 degrees to the west of the moon. Once brighter stars become visible so too will the planets Mars and Saturn. During this viewing Mars is seen high overhead while ringed planet Saturn appears low in the eastern sky. These and other spring celestial wonders will be available for public viewing through a variety of telescopes. Spring 2012 Calendar
PUBLIC NIGHT: FRIDAY, January 27, 2012, from 8:00 PM CST to 10:30 PM CST. Sunset 6:02PM CST. End Astronomical Twilight 7:25 PM CST. Moon, waxing crescent, 22.77%. The Moon is visible during the public viewing. SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT: Saturday, March 24, 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. Yoga Under The Stars! Proceeds to help the Georgetown Animal Shelter and education and public outreach efforts at the Fountainwood Observatory. Details here. Space is limited. Please RSVP to reserve a space.
PUBLIC NIGHT:SATURDAY, March 31, 2012, from 8:00 PM CDT to 10:30 PM CDT. Sunset 7:49 PM CDT. End Astronomical Twilight 9:11 PM CDT. Moon, waxing gibbous, 63.18%. The Moon is visible during the public viewing. 2011 Best of Austin AwardThe Austin Chronicle gave the Fountainwood Observatory a 2011 Best of Austin Award. Read what they said about the observatory’s public viewing nights here. |
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