GENOA, Nev. –  The public is invited to attend a free stargazing program at Mormon Station State Historic Park on Saturday, September 4. Members of the Astronomical Society of Nevada will set up high-powered telescopes for viewing the evening sky. The program will begin with a presentation and question/answer session at 7:30 p.m. Telescope viewing is expected to begin around 8:00 p.m. and last until around 10:00 p.m.

Under the full moon sky, visitors can expect to see many Milky Way clusters, nebulae, the Andromeda Galaxy, and later in the evening, Jupiter. Members of the Astronomical Society are knowledgeable about the nighttime sky and can teach visitors how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Cassiopeia, Arcturus, Cygnus the Swan and more.

The public is invited to bring a picnic or barbecue dinner to enjoy before the program. Park staff suggest visitors bring a blanket, lawn chair, snacks, a light jacket and mosquito repellent.  Please leave pets at home.

WHAT: Evening stargazing

WHEN: Saturday, September 4. The program will begin with a presentation and question/answer session at 7:30 p.m. with telescope viewing to begin around 8:00 p.m. and ending around 10:00 p.m.

WHERE: Mormon Station State Historic Park at 2307 Main Street, in Genoa, located four miles west of Highway 395 (in Carson Valley) via State Route 206. The park is located in the center of town.

WHO: This is a family event open to the public. The program is offered by Nevada State Parks and is made possible by the Astronomical Society of Nevada. Pets are not allowed.

COST: This is a free program.

CONTACT: Mormon Station State Historic Park at 775-782-2590.