Saturn To Take Center Stage at WNC Star Party

Western Nevada College News

Skywatchers will have a special reason to look up Saturday night when the Jack C. Davis Observatory (JCDO) at Western Nevada College hosts a free Star Party on the Carson City campus.

The event will feature a presentation by JCDO Director and WNC Physics Professor Dr. Thomas Herring about Saturn and its upcoming opposition on Oct. 4. During opposition, Earth passes between the Sun and Saturn, placing the ringed planet opposite the Sun in the night sky and roughly 784 million miles away. Saturn will be at its closest to Earth for the year and shining at its brightest, making this an especially opportune and exciting time to observe the planet.

Following the 7 p.m. lecture, visitors can get a closer view of Saturn via JCDO's variety of telescopes. Saturn can be seen without equipment as a bright point of light to the East at sunset and to the West at sunrise. With a telescope, Saturn's iconic rings and, with some luck, Titan (its largest moon), can be viewed.

"Events like our Star Parties give people of all ages an opportunity to experience the wonder of the universe right here in our community," WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe said. "With Saturn reaching opposition, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our solar system from Dr. Herring and then use our telescopes to see this remarkable planet for yourself. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of discovery, curiosity and connection under the stars."

The Star Party begins with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. Telescope viewing begins at dark.

Jack C. Davis Observatory is located at 2269 Vanpatten Ave. on the northern end of WNCs Carson City campus.