UW News

March 18, 2002

ADVISORY: UW astronomy open house will show off major planetary conjunction

News and Information

** WHAT: Fourth annual University of Washington astronomy open house
** WHO: Faculty and staff of the UW Astronomy Department
** WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
** WHERE: Physics-Astronomy Building on the UW Seattle campus

DETAILS: The astronomy open house this year occurs on International Astronomy Day and comes during a major planetary conjunction. Five planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus and Mercury — will line up in the western sky, with a crescent moon supplying illumination. Public observation of the celestial light show will run from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m., weather permitting.

Open house events include:
> A simulated voyage through the solar system.
> Planetarium shows.
> A tour of the historic campus observatory.
> Demonstrations on subjects such as the making of comets.
> A variety of faculty presentations covering topics such as the formation of the solar system and acceleration of the universe.

The Physics-Astronomy Building is on the UW campus, at 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Pacific Street. Enter the UW parking garage from 15th Avenue Northeast at Northeast 41st Street.

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For more information, contact the UW Astronomy Department at (206) 543-2888.