We reported last month on The Range about the unfortunate cloure of the UA's Flandrau Science Center, which was to cease operations on Monday, June 1, because of budget cuts.

Well, it appears that a number of extraordinarily dedicated astronomy volunteers have taken it upon themselves to keep one key activity alive at the observatory: viewings through the 16-inch telescope.

The telescope is open for viewings from 7 to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, year-round, according to a press release released by the folks at Flandrau. Poor weather will botch viewing attempts, so check with your local weatherman before heading down to the observatory, which is located on the UA campus on the northeast corner of University Boulevard and Cherry Avenue.

You can even find out about significant heavenly events to look for during your visit at http://www.uasciencecenter.org/astronomy/skywatchers-guide/. Expert astronomers will also be on hand to help guide you through your heavenly tour.

Visit www.UAsciencecenter.org for more info.

And make sure to say thanks to those volunteers for keeping this local treasure alive.