Astronomy News

• Campus Observatory Telescope Renovation
  5/20/2013News Bureau | Public Affairs writer News Bureau | Public Affairs by News Bureau | Public Affairs published by News Bureau | Public Affairs
  Several large pieces of the 117-year-old 12-inch telescope in the University of Illinois Observatory will be removed by crane through the dome of the observatory Wednesday (May 22) beginning at about 11 a.m. in preparation for transport to Ray Museum Studios in Swarthmore, Pa. for renovation. The telescope will return to campus in late August 2013 and be ready for this years Homecoming Observatory Open House on Oct. 25.
• Phil Plait, Bad Astronomy author, visits the U of I Observatory
  4/1/2013
  Phil Plait, author of popular astronomy books "Bad Astronomy" and "Killer Skies," visited the University of Illinois Observatory after delivering the keynote speech for the 2013 Engineering Open House. Dr. Plait got a great view of Jupiter through the historic 12-inch refractor, posed for some pictures, and gave the campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the telescope a mention in his blog! Thanks, Phil!
• Fall 2012 Excellent Astronomy Teachers
  3/27/2013Bryan Dunne writer Bryan Dunne by Bryan Dunne published by Bryan Dunne
  The Astronomy Department would like to offer its congratulations to members of the department named to the "List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent" by the Center for Teaching Excellence for the Fall 2012 semester. Included on the list were Prof. Robert Brunner, Prof. Brian Fields, Prof. Charles Gammie, Prof. Athol Kemball, and Dr. Brett Hayes.
• IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE: A MINUTE WITH U. OF I. ASTRONOMER LESLIE LOONEY
  2/14/2013News Bureau | Public Affairs writer News Bureau | Public Affairs by News Bureau | Public Affairs published by News Bureau | Public Affairs
  On Friday, Feb. 15, an asteroid named 2012 DA14 will pass very closely to Earth. The trajectory of the 150-foot-diameter rock is the nearest fly-by ever predicted for an asteroid this large even closer than some satellites. In an interview with News Bureau physical sciences editor Liz Ahlberg, astronomy professor Leslie Looney discusses the asteroid and its looming approach.
• First Magnitude: A Book of the Bright Sky
  12/20/2012
  In his latest popular science book, First Magnitude, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy James Kaler takes delight in sharing with us his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the study of the skies. First Magnitude is an entry-level book for readers with brightly lit skies. Its purpose is to show them that all is not lost, that they can still enjoy personal astronomy and have an appreciation of the heavens no matter where they live. Available from World Scientific and leading booksellers.