University Communications and Marketing

MSUB Star Party rained out, rescheduled

Public invited to star gazing event at dusk, June 23, at the BLM Acton Recreation Area

Contacts:

Stuart Snyder, Ph.D., professor of physics, 657-2190

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Perhaps this time, Mother Nature will cooperate and keep the clouds and rain at bay.

The Star Party hosted by Montana State University Billings faculty and staff originally planned for June 9 has been rescheduled for June 23.

MSUB Professor of Physics Stuart Snyder is disappointed the party was rained out but said the sky should still put on a show.

“We should be able to see Saturn and Jupiter and some deep-space objects like star clusters and galaxies,” Snyder said.

The public is invited to this free event and encouraged to bring lawn chairs, hot dogs and other campfire treats as a campfire will be set.

The University will be providing 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch diameter telescopes for public use and MSUB Professor of Physics Stuart Snyder anticipates the clear summer sky to be perfect for viewing deep space objects.

 “The moons of Jupiter should be visible and if we’re lucky, maybe we’ll get to see the planet’s red spot,” he said.

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is the planet’s most noticeable feature. Technically a storm on the planet, it is 12,400 miles long and 7,500 miles wide.

Participants should also be able to view Saturn’s main moon and have excellent sights of Earth’s moon.

“The surface of our moon is kind of weird,” Snyder said.

Last year, roughly 30 people attended MSU Billings’ Star Party and, weather permitting; he is optimistic more will come out and enjoy Montana’s beautiful night sky.

*Get there: From Acton, heading west from Billings on Highway 3 and between mile markers 18 and 19, turn right on Oswald Road. Turn right at Birkley Road. Follow Star Party signs. Continue through gate, just close behind you.