Star Party

“Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”

Most of us have wished upon the first star in the nighttime sky with this little rhyme. But it’s not going to work if you’re wishing on a DirecTV satellite. Maybe it’s time to figure out what you’re looking at.

On Aug. 6 the stars will be aligned at the Saint Louis Science Center’s free public telescope viewing. Several telescopes will be set up on the grounds near the Planetarium for your viewing pleasure. Experts from the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the Science Center will be on hand to answer all your questions. After you get your fill of heavenly bodies, head inside the Planetarium's Orthwein Starbay for the popular “The Sky Tonight” program and other fun activities. The 40-minute program explores the current evening’s night sky wonders. In between Star Shows, take a self-guided tour of the Boeing Space Station, where you’ll learn about living and working in zero gravity. Stop by the SBC Learning Center and have the little cosmonauts try their hand at various space missions.

Public Star Parties happen each Friday of the month from January to October. This month’s party takes place on Friday, Aug. 6, at 6:45 p.m. Regardless of the weather outside, inside activities will go on as scheduled.

If you can’t make it to the Science Center’s Star Party, head over to the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Schwartz Observatory for their public viewing on Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. Saturn, Mars, Venus, Hercules Cluster, Ring Nebula and the first quarter moon are scheduled to make an appearance. A student or volunteer will be on hand to point out constellations and answer general astronomy questions. For the current schedule, please click here. If you have a large group of 30 or more, a special open house may be scheduled for your group by calling 314-516-5931.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting