Kingsville Texas

Astronomy Open House Schedule

As the New Year begins and the new semester becomes busy at TAMUK, the schedule of Astronomy Open House dates has shaped up.  The public viewing nights are a great way for folks in the community and visitors to our community to have an opportunity to view the stars and heavenly objects through the TAMUK 16 inch telescope.

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 7:00p.m. Theme: Crab Nebula, Great Nebula in Orion, and Pleiades.  This is the second of four Astronomy Open House events scheduled for this spring.  It will be a stunning deep sky adventure.  The Crab Nebula, M1, is the remains of a star that exploded July 4, 1054.  It was carefully observed by the Chineese and called a "guest star".  The Crab Nebula is 6500 light years away from earth and appears in the constellation Taurus.  The Great Nebula in Orion, M42, is visable with the naked eye in a dark sky.  The nebula surrounds and is excited by the four young stars of the Trapezium.  Be sure to ask the astronomer on duty about this wonderful sight.   Other viewing objects may include the star Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion, Hind’s Crimson Star(a small but very red star).  There will be a video presentation in room 119 of Hill Hall.

Thursday, April 8, 2010, 8:00p.m. Theme: Venus / Mercury Pair up 18 degrees above the horizon.

Thursday, May 6, 2010, 8:00p.m. Theme:  Salute to Mars

The open house will be at Hill Hall Physics building on the TAMUK Kingsville campus.  Hill Hall is located across the parking lot from the Student Union Building.  The astronomy dome is on the third floor of Hill Hall.  Viewing is dependant on weather conditions.  Call 361-593-2622 for more details.