Party with the stars

If you're looking for a good time, the sky's the limit. Amateur astronomers gather at events around the world to scope out the skies, swap stargazing stories, and dish on the latest celestial trends. Veterans help the rookies along, and everyone pitches in to set up the biggest telescopes.

"In this world of high-definition TV and other media that impact our minds every day, there is still this human need to see with our own eyes what the universe has in store," says Norm Black, volunteer director of the nonprofit Star Light-Star Bright Observatory in Colorado Springs, Colo. "Sharing the experience magnifies the sense of personal satisfaction."

September is primetime viewing for lunar craters, Jupiter's pairing with Venus, distant Neptune, and, on the 24th, the closest approach to Earth of asteroid 9342 Carygrant. Most community star fests are flee, but prepare for temperatures dropping with the sun and partying till dawn; just leave the beer and the boombox at home. To locate a star party near you, visit skyandtelescope.com.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group