Astronomy Star Talks

Department of Astronomy
www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/Public
Brad Peterson, Chair
614-292-1773
peterson@astronomy.ohio-state.edu

The Department of Astronomy offers public programs on the Ohio State campus and participates in "New Vistas in Astronomy," a mini-course offered at the Perkins Observatory north of Columbus near Delaware, Ohio.

Public programs occur regularly in the 80-seat Spitz Planetarium located on the 5th floor of Smith Laboratory. Topics covered in the planetarium shows include a general description of the night sky, how it changes over time, how it changes depending on your position on Earth, and why the Earth has seasons. The shows are given by graduate students in the department and are presented at a level appropriate for students taking the introductory-level Astronomy courses. Following these presentations and weather permitting, participants are able to use the 12-inch Meade telescope located in a dome atop Smith Laboratory.

"New Vistas in Astronomy" offers the opportunity to hear about the latest discoveries by astronomers and to observe a variety of celestial objects with the 32-inch Schottland reflecting telescope at Perkins Observatory. All lectures are on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. Admission fees go to Perkins Observatory for maintenance of their facility.