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South Physics Observatory

The U of U Physics Department conducts free public Star Parties every CLEAR Wednesday night on the roof of the South Physics Building at the University of Utah. Spring and fall hours begin at 8:00 pm. During winter, star parties will begin at 7:00 pm. In the summer, the observatory will be open at 9:00 pm. We will also hold Solar Parties during summer months that will be held usually on a Wednesday at a time preceeding a public star party. Those days will be posted on this website's calendar so return for updates.

We also have star parties on the FIRST Monday of every month held in conjunction with a free opening of the Museum Of Natural History at the University of Utah. There will be a short physics demonstration held at the museum that night. Arrive at the museum at around 5:30 pm to see the demo and tour the museum. The star party will start at 7:30 pm as the museum closes at 8:00 pm. Please view our campus map for directions.

We give tours for scout groups on weekdays and Saturdays (except Wednesdays). Star Parties are also be available for other events or occasions on nights other than Wednesdays. The tours are subject to weather and availability. Questions concerning the tours can be directed to our email observatory@physics.utah.edu. Tours will not be avaliable on tuesdays and thursdays during the months from January to May due to astronomy classes being held on those nights. You may also attempt to reach us at 801-58-SPACE (587-7223). Please leave a message and we'll contact you as soon as possible. We now have telescopes available for travelling to off-campus locations for star parties. These are considered per-request and are left to the discretion of the observatory staff.

Be sure to sign our guest log while you're there to be a part of the observatory's history and to help track attendance.

The current Star Party conductors and volunteers are Paul Ricketts, Cierra Blair, Zoey Lockhart and Thad Roberts. If you have any questions about star parties please contact them at observatory@physics.utah.edu. If you would like to be included in Paul's astronomy newsletter, use the same email as above with your name and the email you wish to receive it at.

For more information on the The University of Utah Astronomy Club and to become a member, please email uofuastronomyclub@hotmail.com. If you would like to join, please send your name, email address, major and year (for students), and if you would like, your telephone number. Meeting times will be placed on the calendar. A separate web page is up at UUAC for the club.

Dan Burn and Dave Pawlowski retired from conducting Star Parties on May 18, 2005.

Announcements

Check out the videos taken from the Willard L. Eccles Observatory with the Leonid bolide streaking across Utah here

Be sure to check out the Department of Physics and Astronomy's International Year of Astronomy Film Festival. Dates are provided on the observatory calender.

OBSERVATORY STATUS: The observatory will be closed tonight Oct. 28 due to weather.

As of 6:45 pm 10-28-09

Call 58-SPACE (587-7223) after 8pm to verify status.

Clear Sky Clock: