Gaze at the galaxy each Wednesday at the observatory

Managed by the U College of Science’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and located on the roof of the South Physics building [125 S. 1400 E.] just north of Presidents Circle, the South Physics observatory is a valuable resource for the university and greater Salt Lake City communities.

The observatory features a 14-foot diameter, 360-degree, electrically rotating sky dome and 14-inch Meade LX200GPS telescope that, on clear nights, gives visitors a view of galaxies, nebulae, stars, moons, planets, and clusters.

On cloudless Wednesday evenings, the observatory hosts free public star parties that may include lectures and demonstrations. One to seven telescopes typically are pointed at different objects in the sky. The observatory opens at 7:00 p.m., but start times depend on when the sun sets — in winter, the night sky is typically visible at around about 7:00 p.m.; in summer, it’s viewable at around about 9:00 p.m.

The observatory is open to the outdoors so visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. In addition to weekly star parties, the observatory is open during important astronomical events such as lunar/solar eclipses, Mercury transits, and bright comets.

Observatory staff are happy to assist anyone who needs help with their own telescopes for personal use, astrophotography, or school/science fair projects.

For information on public openings, tour availability, and star parties, please email observatory@physics.utah.edu.

 

Node 4 Search