Tarleton State University’s Program for Astronomy Education and Research will hold its Spring Star Party, Friday, March 23, at the Hunewell Ranch observatory. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will have the opportunity to gaze at the stars and deep space objects, as well as several planets through Tarleton’s 32-inch reflecting research telescope and several smaller telescopes, which will be made available beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Larry Barr, manager of the Tarleton planetarium and observatory, said early spring typically offers clear skies, and Friday’s forecast is expected to provide near-perfect stargazing conditions.

“Spring, with its clear skies and cool weather, provide for beautiful observing,” said Barr. “The Orion Nebula will also be good to look at, as well as Saturn.”

Several amateur astronomers will take part in the Star Party by bringing their telescopes for the public to view the heavens at various stations, said Barr. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescope, set up on one of two concrete pads, and share the view with others, he added.

Recently, the early evening hours have provided a dazzling show of Venus and Jupiter dancing toward each other in what is known as a planetary conjunction. Although the distance between the two planets has widened since the peak of the celestial action on March 15, Barr said the two planets remain very visible in the western sky.

Tours of the Tarleton observatory and 32-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope will be provided throughout the evening, said Barr, allowing visitors to see how professional astronomy is conducted and how the equipment operates. The telescope was designed and fabricated by Astronomical Consultants & Equipment of Tucson, Ariz., and features a computer controlled, high resolution CCD imaging system to ensure accurate image capture for either research or projection.

Stargazers are invited to arrive anytime after 6:30 and remain at the observatory until 11 p.m. Visitors are asked to turn off their headlights as they approach the observatory, said Barr. Free coffee, tea and hot cocoa will be provided.

For a map to Hunewell Ranch and more information regarding Tarleton’s observatory, please visit http://www.tarleton.edu/observatory.