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If you have a sense of curiosity about twinkling lights in the night sky, come to Catalina State Park for the next Star Party on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Imagine what you can see with the 10 big telescopes that astronomers will have at Catalina State Park! Some amazing solar system and deep-sky objects are expected to be in the sky! These include Uranus, Orion’s Nebula (a star nursery) and other gas clouds, Adromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away), double star systems, star clusters and other fascinating objects. Many of these deep-sky wonders will also be displayed on a monitor for those with difficulty viewing through a telescope.
The event is supported by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Astronomers will be onsite to answer questions and discuss the elements of the night sky as darkness descends. Visitors should meet at the main trailhead parking lot. When the night sky arrives, astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions including star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. Visitors should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect everyone’s night vision), sweater or jacket.
The cost is Catalina State Park’s Entrance Fee of $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $30 depending on the type of camping site needed. Catalina State Park is located on State Highway 77 (Oracle Road) at mile marker 81, just nine miles north of Tucson and six miles north of Ina Road.
For information about all 28 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 or (877) MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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