Department of Physics

	General Information Location and Map

Astronomical Viewing Sessions

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General Information

As a supplement to its General Education course in Astronomy (Physics 356), and as a service to the community, the SIUE Physics Department conducts regular astronomical viewing sessions which are open to the public.  The sessions are usually coordinated by a Physics faculty or staff member who is teaching the Astronomy course.  Constellations and other features of the sky are pointed out, and telescopes are set up for observing planets and other objects of interest.

• Where:  The William C. Shaw Sky Lab — see Location below.
• When:  See Current Schedule at the right.  You do not have to come at the beginning or stay the whole time, but if nobody shows up during the first 20 minutes or so the session may be terminated early.  Sessions will not usually be held on University holidays, or during exam week or vacation periods.
• What to Bring:  Wear something warm!  It is usually much colder and windier than you would expect from just stepping outside or walking to a parking lot.  During the mosquito season it would be wise to bring repellant and avoid shorts or short sleeves.  Bring a flashlight for walking to the viewing site.  If you have binoculars, preferably large diameter ones like 7 x 35 or 7 x 50, they will prove very useful.  A star chart is also useful if you have one, along with a small flashlight (preferably covered with red cellophane or the like) for reading it.  Snacks are okay but no alchoholic beverages are permitted.  Smoking is also not allowed.
• Weather:  The decision to hold or cancel a viewing session will usually be made about 1/2 to 1 hour before the scheduled starting time.  A session will be canceled if the sky is overcast or nearly so.  It would be reasonable to assume that a session will be held if you can see more than half of the sky, unless it is very cold or there is a lot of snow on the ground.  See the Current Schedule on where to call for last-minute information on whether a session will be held.
• Groups:  If you would like to bring a school or scout group, that can usually be arranged.  Please contact the person who is coordinating the sessions (see Current Schedule), or contact the Physics Department.
• Other Opportunities:  If you have a telescope that you would like to try out, you are welcome to bring it. 
• Note:  The Shaw Sky Lab was designed as a site for on-campus astronomical viewing relatively free from interfering lights, but not as a place for storing telescopes or giving any other kinds of presentations.

Location and Map

The William C. Shaw Sky Lab is near the north edge of the campus.  Turn off of North University Drive just south of the 4-way stop at New Poag Road.  The turnoff, usually identified by a small ground-level sign, heads west and then turns left (south).  Go past the model airplane field and the wooden picnic shelter, park near the south end, and walk on the gravel path (shown by dotted line) west to the viewing site.  The path will usually be marked by posts with red lights.