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Tours planned at CCCC observatory for Astronomy Day

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On Saturday, May 14, the Earl Bane Observatory at Cloud County Community College will be open for tours to commemorate International Astronomy Day.

From 4-6 p.m., the public is invited to tour the observatory, carrying out International Astronomy Day's theme of "Bringing Astronomy to the People." Dennis Smith, director of the observatory, will be giving tours, answering questions about astronomy, and explaining the proper use and care of telescopes.

Later this month, on Saturday, May 21, from 9-11 p.m., the next star party will highlight the seasonal blue moon, the third of four full moons between the March equinox and the June solstice. In recent years, the term blue moon has come to be associated with the second full month in a single month. But older definitions of the term refer to a blue moon as the third of four full moons in a single season.

In addition to viewing Earth's moon, stargazers will also take in the Galilean Satellites, another set of moons, and Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. Mars is approaching its closest distance to earth for the year, and it will be brighter than any other time of the year.

Those planning to attend the star party are asked to park in lot one at the college, near the tennis courts. In the event of inclement weather, a movie about the moon will be shown.

Contact Dennis Smith at the college, 785.243.1435, ext. 223, with questions.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA