‘Universe in the Park’ kicks off at three parks Memorial Day Weekend

First of 38 star-gazing opportunities at Wisconsin State Parks this summer

MADISON – Visitors to three Wisconsin State Parks this Memorial Day weekend will have expanded opportunities to view the celestial sky as the University of Wisconsin - Madison Department of Astronomy kicks off its “Universe in the Park” program for 2009. The program is scheduled to run 38 times this summer at state parks across the state.

Universe in the Park [www.astro.wisc.edu/uitp] began in 1996 as a way of introducing the general public to astronomy outside under dark skies, according to Prof. Eric M. Wilcots, who coordinates the program.

The programs typically begin just after sunset with a 20 to 30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. Each particular topic for a session is left up to the speaker, but usually includes a broad overview of astronomy as well as recent astronomical news. At the conclusion of the talk, if the sky is clear, volunteers set up a telescope and provide park visitors the opportunity to view whatever astronomical objects are available.

A question-and-answer period takes place around the telescopes. The sessions run as long as there are people interested in looking through the telescope. During the height of the summer, Wilcots says, the sessions can attract audiences of 70 to 80 people.

Visitors can show up for the slide show and question-and-answer period even if it is cloudy and the sky cannot be viewed through the telescope. The sessions are held if it is raining only if there is a shelter available.

Universe in the Park events themselves are free, but visitors to Wisconsin State Parks and Forest must have a daily or annual vehicle admission sticker.

Universe in the Park programs will be held this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23 at Blue Mound State Park and on Sunday, May 24 at Governor Dodge and Lake Kegonsa state parks. The complete schedule of programs is available on the Universe in the Park Web site [www.astro.wisc.edu/uitp/schedule.html].

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks – - (608) 266-2181

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