April 12, 2016

 

  

Contacts:
University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — You may not discover a new planet or life on Mars but the nighttime sky has endless wonders to enjoy by simply exploring it through a telescope.

 

On Saturday night the public is invited to do just that with MSU Billings Chancellor Dr. Mark A. Nook, who holds master’s in astrophysics from Iowa State University, and a doctorate from in astronomy from UW-Madison.

 

Dr. Nook will provide several nightly lectures during the “Exploring Space” event that will include fascinating facts and history about the night sky from our own backyard. Joining Nook will be professor of physics and chemistry Dr. Steven Wiles as well science students.

Weather permitting, telescopes will be available from 8 to 10 p.m. to view the Orion Nebula, the Hercules global cluster and other astronomical objects.

 

A presentation of constellation stories will be featured in the Library Building, room 148, at 8 p.m., 8:45 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. The event is held in conjunction with “Girls-n-Science” to help raise engagement in science, math, technology and engineering fields among girls grades fourth through eighth.

 

“On the heels of Girls-n-Science, this star gazing event is a great finale event of commemorating STEM fields among young students,” Director of University Communications and Marketing Aaron Clingingsmith said.

 

This event is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Thirty minute lectures will begin in Library 148 at 8 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Following each lecture, the evening will progress to the West lawn outside the Liberal Arts Building.  Parking is available on Normal Avenue.

 

»» Download event poster