A star party hosted by the Salt Lake Astronomical Society on Saturday will begin with a subject dear to the heart of anyone thinking about joining the host of amateur astronomers: an introduction to the telescope.
Bill Kennedy, society member, is planning to give the first of two discussions about the instrument during a star party at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex, Tooele County. The free public event begins at 8 p.m., said Tom Sevcik, the group's vice president.
"Kennedy's presentation will focus on the basic types of telescopes and how they work, including examples of each type of telescope," Sevcik said in a press release.
After the talk, participants will examine the Harmons Observatory's telescopes, which include 16-inch and 32-inch reflectors and a 200-mm refractor.
Patrick Wiggins, another member of the group, will use a star projector to give a preview of evening sky events, beaming images onto the dome of the Donna Pease Wiggins Refractor House.
About 8:45 p.m., when twilight will be over, "the observatory 'scopes will be pointed to such celestial wonders as Saturn, which lies near the Beehive star cluster, while Jupiter climbs into view in the eastern skies," Sevcik added.
Observing may be excellent with no moonlight washing out the scene. The Virgo galaxy cluster, he said, "will make you wonder if we are really alone!" The star party will continue until 10 p.m., if weather allows.
Sevcik provided directions to reach the observatory: Drive west on I-80 to Exit 99, the Stansbury/Tooele exit, then follow U-36 toward Stansbury Park. Watch for signs about the observatory.
A map may be downloaded at slas.us/images/MAPS/SPOC_Map.gif.
