The Flandrau Observatory houses a 16-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope
Thanks to a number of dedicated astronomy volunteers, Flandrau: The University of Arizona Science Center's 16-inch telescope remains open for public viewing.
The volunteers have enabled the observatory to continue operating despite the center's closure following state budget cuts.
In the observatory, visitors can take their own tour of the heavens through a 16-inch telescope, which is available for free viewing Wednesday through Saturday from 7-10 p.m. throughout the year. It is the only such telescope open on a regular weekly schedule, free to the public, in the state of Arizona.
Flandrau's Cassegrain reflector is the same optical design as professional telescopes on Arizona mountaintops. An expert astronomer or telescope operator is available (weather permitting) to point visitors toward the best of each month's sky show and visitors can request different objects to view.
In addition to eyepiece views through its main 16-inch telescope, the observatory uses a real-time Hyperstar imaging system on an auxiliary telescope, which is able to reveal details in bright nebulae star clusters and comets.
Visitors are encouraged to check out the online Skywatchers' Guide and Observatory News for regular updates on what's new and exciting to see in the night skies over Tucson. Opportunities for conversation and observation tips are available on Twitter (UAskywatch).
In spite of the closure of its on-campus facility, Flandrau continues to offer science education to the community, a series of astronomy outreach programs will be offered to groups, schools and private parties. They include the following:
Portable Planetarium Shows for School Groups
Flandrau will bring a planetarium show right to local schools with its portable planetarium. Flandrau has five new portable planetarium shows designed to inspire, teach and entertain.
The shows are based on the Arizona state science standards, and are designed to help teachers fulfill their curriculum requirements as well as provide an enriching and entertaining astronomy experience. For show and scheduling information, visit the Flandrau Web site.
Star Parties
Flandrau offers special star parties for an evening of stargazing at just about any location – providing a first-hand view of Saturn's rings or a peek at Jupiter's turbulent cloud belts and its brightest moons.
For the star party, Flandrau will provide one or two experienced volunteer astronomers, a pair of giant binoculars and one or more powerful telescopes depending on the size of the group. The astronomer will point out the constellations, stars, star clusters, visible planets, galaxies and other bright objects of interest the night of your event.
To reserve a portable planetarium show or star party, call 520-621-3646 or contact Astronomy Coordinator Mike Terenzoni at miket@ns.arizona.edu.
Mike Terenzoni
520-621-3646