EUGENE–The University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory closes out its 1998 public tour and viewing season by turning its large telescopes toward Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, this Friday and Saturday night, Sept. 25—26.

The programs start at 9 p.m. and will feature a short lecture followed by an all-night viewing session. Viewers can expect to see the discs of all four planets, many of their moons, some of their cloud bands and, of course, the famous rings of Saturn.

To reach Pine Mountain Observatory from Bend, take Highway 20 east (toward Burns) 26 miles to Millican. Just beyond Millican, turn south on the dirt road and drive eight miles to the top of Pine Mountain. Visitors to the observatory should bring extra warm clothing as temperatures at Pine Mountain may drop well below freezing. A $2 donation per adult is encouraged. The Forest Service campground nearby is open for overnight camping.

The observatory will re-open for public tours next Memorial Day weekend.

For further details, phone (541) 382-8331 or visit the Pine Mountain Observatory web site at <http://pmo-sun.uoregon.edu>.

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