VIEWING OF COMET TO BE FOCUS OF ASTRONOMY NIGHT

(KINGSVILLE, March 22, 1996) -- Telescopic viewing and an explanation of the comet now visible in the night's sky will be the focus of "Public Evenings in Astronomy" from 8 to

10 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at the Observation Deck, Room 201 of Hill Hall on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

" We suggest you bring small telescopes and binoculars since the comet will be approaching its most northern position and it will appear to be really close and large on

March 29 ," invites Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Julian Schreur who will host the astronomy evening of comet viewing.

For those who wish a closer look at the comet, the observatory will be opened on top of Hill Hall, providing astronomers a view of the fuzzy ball with a bright center through the observatory's 16-inch telescope, weather permitting.

" By March 29 the motion of the comet will be very apparent and a viewer will see it drifting," explains Schreur. " During the astronomy evening, we'll be explaining what participants are viewing and elaborating on constellations in the sky. "

The comet-viewing is open to the public at no charge and families with children are especially encouraged to attend.

For more information about the "Public Evenings in Astronomy" presented by the Department of Physics at A&M-Kingsville, call (512) 593-2699.

-Mary Daniel