SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois at Springfield's popular Star Parties will begin for the spring on Friday, March 21, and continue every Friday night through April 25, weather permitting. Star Parties are from 8 to 10 p.m. in the UIS observatory.
The Star Parties will be hosted by John Martin, assistant professor of Astronomy/Physics.
Martin noted that this spring the observatory's three telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including Saturn, the ringed planet; Mars, the red planet; the Great Orion Nebula, a nearby cradle of new stars; and the Moon, when visible.
Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner.
Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. All other questions about Star Parties can also be directed to Martin at 206-8342.
