Clear Sky Patrol The University of Iowa Department of Physics & Astronomy

Description

Schedule

Location

PRINT THIS BEFORE YOU GO TO CSP

Description

The University of Iowa hosts Clear Sky Patrol (CSP) on the roof of Van Allen Hall to allow students the opportunity to learn about the night sky when they take astronomy courses through the department.  Students will be given a list of celestial objects, such as constellations, stars, planets, etc.,  they will be able to find, as well as objects which need to be observed in telescopes operated by Teaching Assistants. 

Clear Sky Patrol is also part of the university community outreach program and the public is welcome to attend as well.  If your party is fairly small (4 or less) it should be no problem to accommodate you any given night.  With larger parties, such as Boy Scout troops or classes, it would be helpful if you could let us know in advance when you would like to visit.  To make plans for visiting CSP please e-mail Zachary-Prieskorn@uiowa.edu.

It's important to keep in mind the weather when planning an evening of observing whether you are a student or someone just wanting to come up and learn about the night sky.  There are 2 things TA's consider when deciding to have observing for the night or not:

1. How much cloud cover is there?  If the sky is more than approximately 50% covered by clouds observing will be cancelled.
2. Temperature.  When the temperature drops below about 15^o F CSP will typically be cancelled.

Always ask yourself if you think observing conditions are good before heading out so as not to waste time coming  to Van Allen on a night when there will not be CSP.  There is also a website that shows the CSP Status.  TA's will update this website about 1 hour before observing is to begin for the evening and continue to do so as conditions change.  Remember that weather conditions can change quickly in Iowa, so just because the website says that CSP is open when you check at 6pm does not necessarily mean that it will be at 7pm.  It's always a good idea to double check the website just before you leave.

Schedule

September 4 - September 20

Observing: 8 - 10pm

September Sky Chart

September 24 - November 2

Observing: 8 - 10pm

October Sky Chart

November 5 - December 7

Observing: 7 - 9pm

November Sky Chart

Location

CSP is held on the roof of Van Allen Hall on the University of Iowa campus.  Van Allen Hall is located at the corner of Dubuque St. and Jefferson Ave. in Iowa City, IA.  It is best to enter the building by the Dubuque St. entrance. Take the elevator to the 7th floor.  Upon exiting the elevator turn left and follow the hallway around the corner, there should be an open staircase on your left leading up to the roof.  Once on the roof, proceed to the big domes in the middle of the roof and you should find the TA's.