A Star Party is scheduled at Shawnee State University’s Clyde W. Clark Planetarium and everyone is welcome. Bring telescopes and binoculars, use SSU’s telescope or one of several that Eye-1, of Dayton, is providing. Solar observing begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22 with live sky tours at the planetarium at 8 p.m. and planetary viewing at 9:30 p.m.
            For those who want to learn how to use a telescope, operators will be on hand to teach. Activities will also be available for both adults and children in the Advanced Technology Center.
            Objects to view in the night sky will include a crescent moon, Venus, Mars and Saturn as well as several star clusters and star systems.
            “We will also debut our Color Mallincam (an astronomical video camera) and plan to stream the video into the Advanced Technology Center's television screens,” said Arthur Bogard, senior operator.
            The Star Party will serve as a model for future star parties planned for this fall. Signs will direct participants to the appropriate parking, unloading, and viewing areas. A rain date is scheduled at 7 p.m. on the following Tuesday, June 29. Snacks and refreshments will be available.
            The Clark Planetarium has free public shows every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. until Thursday, Aug. 12 and the planetarium will be closed from July 20 through July 31. Groups may schedule free private shows at the planetarium.
            For more information on scheduling your own group for a private planetarium show, visit the Web site at http://planetarium.shawnee.edu/ or call (740) 351-3122. For general planetarium inquiries, call (740) 351-3147 or visit the Web site for upcoming events at the Clark Planetarium.