The UA SkyCenter is hosting a number of summer programs that are open to the general public.
The University of Arizona SkyCenter, located atop Mount Lemmon, is hosting a series of summertime programs, including its "SummerNights" stargazing events.
Stargazing can sometimes be difficult in the Southwest because of afternoon to early evening thunderstorms, typical in July and August.
But the SkyCenter, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, will be taking advantage of the summer's clear nights during its SummerNights program.
Members of the public can sign up to attend the SkyCenter on nights between July 6 and Aug. 31. On the nights that are clear, the center will host skygazing events.
Special nights of opportunity will be Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 during the Perseid Meteor Shower. On those nights, the SkyCenter will host telesceope programs and viewings of the meteor shower.
The meteor shower has been observed for more than 1,500 years and many of the meteors will appear to come from the direction of the constellation Perseus. At the shower's peak, it is possible to see at least one meteor each minute while atop Mount Lemmon.
Additionally, the SkyCenter will continue its "DiscoveryDays" programming on select days through Nov. 7. "DiscoveryDays" is a daytime, family-oriented program about topics including astronomy, monsoons, geology, tree-ring studies and photography.
The center will also host AstronomerNights, a program that enables visitors to observe as professional astronomers would. Registration is required.
Participants will have the chance to observe the night sky with an astronomer, learn about high quality data, stay on site in an astronomer dormitory and process data and images with Adam Block, a technical services specialist for UA's Steward Observatory and the public programs coordinator for the SkyCenter.
And later in the year, the SkyCenter plans to offer its CCD Image processing experience with Block. The next workshop is scheduled for Sept. 10-13.
To learn more about SkyCenter programming, visit its programs site. To register for events, visit the SkyCenter Web site, call 520-626-8122 or e-mail SkyCenter@as.arizona.edu.
The SkyCenter is located on Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.
The access road to the observatory begins at the very end of the scenic and popular Mount Lemmon Highway, beyond Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
Adam Block
520-626-8122