The Sacramento State physics and astronomy department is calling all astronomy enthusiasts young and old, and everyone in between, to join Sac State students and professors for an informative discussion and observation about the night sky this spring.The physics and astronomy department is holding its popular “Public Nights” event with lecture, discussion and a viewing of the spring sky from the observatory atop Amador Hall.

There will be a short talk about the topics, then a viewing of what is available in the night sky, said Donald Hall, professor of physics and astronomy.

The event days and topics are: Friday, April 6, “A New Window on the Universe. An Overview of Gamma-ray Astronomy,” with Clay Bratton. Friday, April 27: “From Pickering?s Harem to Heidi Hammel: The Role of Women in Astronomy,” with Hall. Friday May 11: “Birth, Life and Death of Stars,” with Randy Phelps. Each lecture begins at 8 p.m. in Mendocino Hall 1015 and viewing will be from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

They will stay outside and accommodate viewing as long as there are people interested, Hall said.

There will be telescopes trained on objects in the sky; Jupiter, Saturn and other spring constellations, according to Hall.

Parking will be free for one hour before and one hour after each event in the student section of the parking structure on the west side of campus.

On event nights lectures will not be cancelled due to weather, however, observers may call a pre-recorded information line at 278-6268 after 5 p.m. to insure viewing will not be cancelled due to bad weather.

For more information contact the Sac State physics and astronomy department at 278-6518.