Star Sighting

Hollywood isn’t the only place where they have star parties.

Saturday night at Vasquez Rocks County Park in Agua Dulce, the Local Group Astronomy Club of the Santa Clarita Valley--a group of amateurs who regularly get together--will set up a dozen telescopes and invite the public to join them for an evening of star watching.

Richard Wade, vice president of the club and a veteran of more than a decade lecturing about astronomy to civic groups, said the monthly event is for everyone, from people who have never touched a telescope--including children--to seasoned and well-equipped veteran stargazers.

Wade will be at this month’s gathering with his Starsplitter II reflecting telescope for folks to use. The instrument is so impressive that passing hikers have stopped to ask, “Are you drilling for oil?” according to Wade.

President Jim Mahon says that novices are startled at what they can see through a good telescope. “At first it can be a bit overwhelming,” said Mahon, who became interested in astronomy while an aerospace engineer.

Club members will explain to visitors the types of celestial objects they are seeing. On Saturday, bright Venus, Jupiter and its four major moons, and Saturn with its magnificent rings will all be prominent in the night sky.

Beyond the planets in our solar system, visitors will see shapes that look like great clouds of multicolored glowing gas--regions of the universe where stars are in the process of being born. Out in the clear air of Vasquez Rocks park, meteor watching can also be done with the naked eye. Since meteors pass by too quickly to follow easily with a telescope, Mahon suggests plunking yourself down on a portable chaise lounge and gazing skyward. “I have yet to experience a night when I didn’t see a meteor flash across the sky,” he said.

Mahon encourages folks who may have acquired a telescope and let it gather dust to bring it along.

“Time permitting, we’ll be able to show you how to get the best use of it,” he said.

To reach the site of the star party, take the Agua Dulce Canyon Road offramp from the Antelope Valley Freeway. Take the road about two miles north into the hamlet of Agua Dulce, where it bends at a right angle about half a mile before the park entrance, which is on the right.

Once inside the park, drive to the upper parking lot, where the star party will take place.

“Dress about twice as warmly as you think you’ll need,” Mahon said. “Wear a hat plus something to keep your neck warm, and bring some hot coffee or chocolate.”

BE THERE

Star Party, Saturday, 6 p.m.-midnight, Vasquez Rocks County Park, 10700 W. Escondido Road, Agua Dulce. $2 donation. Event information: (661) 297-2612. Park information: (661) 268-0840. For future events or other information, visit the Local Group’s Web site at https://https://home.earthlink.net/~plumber016/localgrp.htm.