The Astronomy Department operates a heliostat on the 14th floor observing deck of Robert Lee Moore hall on the campus of the University. The heliostat, or solar telescope, has a movable mirror that tracks the sun. This mirror reflects the sun's light to a stationary mirror which sends it down to the 13th floor through a focusing lens. The projected image is displayed in the Astronomy lab room, RLM 13.132. The sun's disk can then be safely observed, and sunspots can be charted. The spectrum of the Sun may also be displayed from the violet to the far red wavelengths, revealing many absorption lines from elements in the sun's outer atmosphere. During special events, such as a solar eclipse, the observing room may be opened to the public.

Area teachers may request a visit to the heliostat as a field trip to the astronomy department.

* The tour usually includes a look at the sun, the solar spectrum, a slide show about telescopes or the solar system and a look at the solar telescope and the night time telescope. Content can be customized.

* Alternative demonstrations or presentations are available if weather prohibits solar viewing.

* Tours usually last 1 hour, but may run longer.

* There is no charge for field trips.

* Tours can be geared towards any age group from 2nd to 12th grade

* The number of students that can be accommodated at once is about 50-60

For additional information or to make a reservation, please contact Lara Eakins at (512) 471-1307 or through email.

Spring 2008 schedule

Directions to the building and instructions for booked tours.