Free Smithsonian star party planned Saturday, March 15

Professional astronomers and skilled amateur sky watchers will hold a star party at the Smithsonian’s visitor center at Mount Hopkins Saturday night, March 15.

There’s no admission and there are usually a dozen or more powerful telescopes at the visitors center parking lot for visitors’ observations.

The people operating the telescopes are anxious to share their knowledge of the night sky with the visitors.

Observing will start at 7:15 p.m., but the visitors center and its collection of exhibits will open at 5 p.m.

There’ll be an informal lecture presented by the observatory staff at 6:15, and the observing begins about an hour later.

There’s a minimum of light, the visitor center windows are covered and small flashlights may be a good idea to avoid tripping over cables and small children.

On view Saturday, March 15 , will be Mars, Saturn, double stars, star clusters, a gibbous moon, which is halfway between a full moon and first quarter, and more. Usually the Milky Way, our galaxy, is visible.

The Smithsonian said dress for cool evening temperatures and small flashlights and binoculars are useful to bring. Seating is limited, so you might want to bring a lawn chair.

The telescopes will be set up in the parking lot next to the visitor center, and people who park there early will have to move to other lots or to the road before viewing begins.

To get to the Whipple Observatory’s visitor center from Green Valley, take I-19 south to the Canoa exit, drive south on the east frontage road about 3 miles to the Elephant Head Road. Turn east and then a mile over the Santa Cruz River bridge turn south on the Mount Hopkins Road. The center is seven miles south on that road.

Coming from the south, leave I-19 at exit No. 48, the Arivaca Road/Amado exit. Head north on the east frontage road to Elephant Head Road, then east over the bridge and south on the Mount Hopkins Road.

In case of threatening weather call 670-5707 after 4 p.m. for information about star party cancellations.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749