TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The public is invited to gaze at the stars this fall through Public Nights sponsored by the Astronomy Group at The University of Alabama.

Public Nights offer the community an opportunity to view the moon, planets or stars through the on-campus observatory located in Gallalee Hall. Public Nights are scheduled five times throughout the fall, including once at Moundville Archeological Park, which offers a darker view. The other four nights will be held on campus at Gallalee Hall.

The first night will take place on Friday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. and will be held atop of Gallalee Hall and hosted by Dr. Phil Hardee. The first viewing will be of the moon and Jupiter.

Additional viewings for the fall are:

Tuesday, Oct. 7 -- 7:30 p.m., 227 Gallalee, public talk followed by viewing of Jupiter and the moon hosted by Dr. Gene Byrd

Friday, Oct. 24 -- 8-10:30 p.m., Moundville, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies hosted by Drs. Bill Keel and Ron Buta.

Friday, Oct 31 -- 8 p.m., atop Gallalee (UA Homecoming weekend), the moon hosted by Keel

Friday, Dec. 5 -- 7 p.m., atop Gallalee, the moon hosted by Dr. Jack Sulentic

Gallalee Hall is located near the northwest corner of University Boulevard and Hackberry Lane on the UA campus. For more information about scheduled events, phone 205/348-5050 or see http://www.astr.ua.edu/Public.html. All sky viewings are contingent on the weather. Cloudy conditions are not conducive to star gazing. Please give advance notice if you plan to bring a large group. Also note that parking restrictions are in effect the Friday before all UA home football games. The CrimsonRide Transit system will be available for the astronomy nights, for more information please visit www.crimsonride.ua.edu.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.