A New Seminar Series in Physics and Astronomy!

Friday, November 2nd, 2007 at 09:48 AM by Dave

Starting in December, the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Sciences at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is hosting a new seminar series called the Physics and Astronomy Seminar Series or PASS. This seminar series will occur in the evenings for the general public, high school students, University students, and faculty. The topics for the PASS are intended for a general audience with up-to-date information in Physics and Astronomy. Speakers from our University and beyond are the invited speakers.

Beginning this series, David Williams, the planetarium director at SCSU, will begin with a talk on the recent discoveries from Mars. This talk will begin at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 4. The talk will be held in the large group lecture hall in the Robert H. Wick Science Building, room 116. (Directions to campus)

Questions may be routed through the Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering Sciences Departmental Office Manager, Linette, at 320-308-2011. Refreshments will be provided.

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Public Planetarium Shows

Monday, October 8th, 2007 at 02:11 PM by Dave

It is that time of the year when we gear up for our Public Astronomy Nights. We will give free planetarium shows to the public during the first two weeks of November: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. Shows will start at 7:00; 7:45; and 8:30 each night.

There is limited seating in the planetarium for only 60 people. Due to fire codes we cannot accept more than that. Consequently, we take reservations for these shows. There is no charge for the shows, they are free. However, no admittance without a reservation.

To get a reservation go to:

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/physics/planetarium.asp

and click on Public Astronomy Nights. This page will show you what information is needed of you to get your reservation.

After the planetarium show, if the skies are clear, telescopes will be set up for you to view the objects discussed in the show.

Clear Skies to you all!

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Planetarium Renovation at SCSU

Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 at 03:26 PM by Dave

The SCSU Planetarium has undergone a renovation this summer. The old star projector was 35 years old and based on technology from the 50’s and 60’s. The new projector is a state-of-the-art projection system. It is capable of projecting 8,500 stars, more than double what the old projector could do. The new projector can illustrate 24 constellations instead of the 2 constellations the old one could project.

The star field is very realistic with stars that are small pin points, not like the round blobs of light the old projector would give us. Consequently, the dome had to be exchanged with a new dome with smaller ventilation holes. Additionally, new lighting and a sound system were installed. An automation controller was added to augment the auxiliary projectors and merge music, voice, and images together to make a complete planetarium package.

With this new system installed we are taking reservations for groups at:

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/physics/planetarium_sched.asp

We also have our Astronomy Public Nights which are given the first two weeks of November. Reservations can be made in the beginning of October at:

http://www.stcloudstate.edu/physics/planetarium_public.asp

To see images of the renovation please go to:

http://web.stcloudstate.edu/dlwilliams/Planetarium%20Renovation.htm

We hope you make an effort to see this new facility at St. Cloud State University.

Clear skies to you all!

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My Favorite Meteor Shower

Thursday, July 12th, 2007 at 03:06 PM by Dave

My favorite meteor shower is coming up. On the evening of August 12 through the morning of August 13, the Perseid Meteor Shower will occur. This meteor shower is due to the remnants of Comet Swift-Tuttle. As this comet went around the Sun, it melted, leaving a debris field of sand-sized particles. When the Earth enters this debris field we get the flurry of meteors which appear to come from the constellation Perseus.

Predictions of this shower indicate that around 2 am on Monday morning (August 13) the meteor rate will be around dozens per hour. Just before sunrise the number is expected to be over one every minute.

The best place to view this shower is out in the country away from any city lights. Look towards the North East to find the constellation Perseus after midnight and near the Eastern sky near sunrise.

I hope you will circle this date on your calendar, take a nap on the afternoon of the 12th, and then bring your lawn chair outside that night to enjoy a beautiful display.

Clear skies to you all!

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Jupiter

Monday, June 11th, 2007 at 10:28 AM by Dave

Just above the constellation Scorpius, in the constellation of Ophiucus, is the planet Jupiter. This planet is our largest planet in the solar system. Even though it is the largest, it is not the brightest. Venus has that honor. Jupiter is bright this month because it is the closest to the Earth as it goes around in its orbit. Venus is closer to the Earth so it appears brighter.

Jupiter has been touted as one of the pieces of evidence that Galileo supported the idea that the Sun is the center of the Solar System. When Galileo observed Jupiter through his telescope he discovered that several “stars” moved around Jupiter. He concluded that these were moons like our Moon. These 4 bright moons are named the Galilean Moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

If you use a pair of binoculars you can see some of these moons. Be sure to rest your elbows on a fence or a chair when you look at Jupiter This way you’ll have the best opportunity to see the moons.

This month you will have excellent choices to view planets: Venus in the west and Jupiter in the East.

Clear skies to you.

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