Exploring Alaska’s night sky

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
02/04/04

Alaska’s long, dark winters provide great opportunities for sky watching. Alaskans have a unique angle to view the night sky because of our position on the globe.

Astronomer and University of Alaska Anchorage Assistant Professor Travis Rector will present a free public lecture on astronomy in Alaska at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 10 at the Chena River Convention Center in Fairbanks.

During his hour-long lecture, Rector will describe things to look for in Alaska’s night sky, explore astronomy in Alaska and explain how it differs from elsewhere. He also will describe his experiences using some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, and reveal how astronomers turn data from the Hubble and other telescopes into beautiful images, such as the ones he will present.

Rector’s lecture is the fourth of six weekly presentations included in the 2004 Science for Alaska free public lecture series, sponsored by the UAF Geophysical and the University of Alaska Foundation. All lectures are held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 24 in the Chena River Convention Center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Additional biographical information about Travis Rector and a comprehensive schedule of the statewide lectures can be found on the Science for Alaska free public lecture series Web site: www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT:
Travis Rector, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, University of Alaska Anchorage: (907) 786-1242
Amy Hartley, Public Information Officer, UAF Geophysical Institute: (907) 474-5823