Austin Community College (ACC) invites the community to stargaze at its first star party of the semester 6 p.m. Friday, August 31, at Round Rock Campus (4400 College Park Dr.).

“This is a unique time to explore the sky. This summer, Mars is closer to the Earth than it’s been in 15 years,” says Dr. Jim Heath, ACC professor of astronomy. “We’ll learn more about the Red Planet and turns on the telescopes. It’s a great event for the whole family.”

The free event features hands-on science activities, talks and a viewing of Mars, and observations of other night sky objects.

• 6 – 7:30 p.m. — Hands-on science activities courtesy of ACChaos (Building 2000, lobby)
• 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. — “Visions of the Red Planet:  Mars Before the Space Age” by Dr. Jim Heath (Building 3000, Room 339)
• 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. — “Exploring the Red Planet:  Mars in the Space Age” by Dr. Michael Endl
• 8:30 – 11:45 p.m. —  Observe the night sky through the Physical Sciences Department’s telescopes (Building 3000 observing deck and parking lot)

For more information, visit the Star Party webpage.

Tags: ACChaos, Mars, Physical Sciences Department, Round Rock Campus, Science, Star, star party