The University of Alabama’s Astronomy Group within the department of physics and astronomy will hold a nebulae and star cluster viewing for the public from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday at the University of Alabama’s Moundville 
Archaeological Park.

Ronald Buta, a member of the public viewing event committees, said the 
astronomy group holds this viewing 
every semester.

“It is for public outreach, it is for engagement, ” Buta said. “People will be interested in the objects of the astronomy. For most people that might be the first time they see the stars, and we provide high quality 
computer controlled telescopes.”

Most sessions use the 16-inch research-grade reflector in the dome on the top of Gallalee Hall, located at the northeast corner of University Blvd. and Hackberry Drive. Deep-sky observing sessions use 16’’ and 17’’ telescopes located in the park.

“I have never been to the event,” said Jessie Hancock, a graduate student studying marketing, said. “But I will be excited about the telescope.”

Rebecca Robinson, a sophomore majoring in journalism, said she is also excited about this event.

“I think astronomy is interesting,” she said. “I like the space, the stars. This event might give me a chance to look at the face of the moon, or other planets like Mars.”