The Austin Community College District is bringing the wonders of the sky to Round Rock Campus (4400 College Park Dr.). The college will host a Star Party Friday, February 10, giving the community an opportunity to enjoy planetarium shows and the observation deck’s telescopes.

“The Star Parties are really well received – more than 200 people attended our last event,” says Dr. Jim Heath, astronomy professor and chair of Physical Sciences.Â

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of Building 2000 with shows in the Austin Planetarium’s Discovery Dome, a digital mobile planetarium, along with exhibits and interactive science activities.

Dr. Heath will present talks about the relationship between ancient astronomers’ foundations and modern science at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., in Room 3339 of Building 3000. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., attendees will be able to view the night sky from the observation deck of Building 3000.

“This is an event for astronomy students as well as the entire community,” says Dr. Heath. “ACC’s vision goes beyond the classroom. I wanted to help the public understand the work the college and the Austin Planetarium are doing. This is a tremendous and fun opportunity to make that happen.”

The next Star Party is scheduled for April 20.