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Drake Observatory to explore stars becoming physical

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Drake Municipal Observatory

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, 515-271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

Energy and its generation in the universe will be the focus of the fall observatory series in a lecture entitled “Stars Become Physical,” on Friday, Oct. 1.

The event will start at 8 p.m. in the Drake Municipal Observatory at 4898 Observatory Road in Waveland Park on the west side of Des Moines. Parking is available adjacent to the observatory.

The series, which is free and open to the public, will continue each Friday at 8 p.m. through Oct. 29, with a non-technical, illustrated presentation by Charles Nelson or Herbert Schwartz of Drake University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Each presentation will be followed by the opportunity to view several stellar objects through the large refracting telescope and several smaller reflecting telescopes.

The programs are held regardless of the weather, although the selection for observation is subject to change due to sky conditions or other special circumstances.

Individuals, families and small groups are welcome to attend the presentations. A parent or responsible adult must accompany children.

The schedule for the remainder of the fall series is listed below:

*    Oct. 8: “The Amazing Technicolor H-R Diagram”

*    Oct. 15: “More Tricks for Spectrums”

*    Oct. 22: “Discovering How the Sun Works”

*    Oct. 29: “Fantasy Becomes Reality”

For more information, contact Drake’s Department of Physics and Astronomy at 515-271-3141.