Visitors will be able to see planets and stars through high-powered telescopes at the grand opening of the Newberry Star Park, set for 7 pm on Tuesday, January 11. The Newberry Star Park is located at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex.

The city of Newberry, in cooperation with the Alachua Astronomy Club, built a large cement pad far from any lights to provide optimum telescope viewing. This site features 24/7 access with eight telescope stations, electrical service for motor drives, computers and dew shields.

A large observatory shed is at the site for storage, telescope construction and maintenance. In addition, there is a large patio area for additional telescopes, outdoor meetings and more.

Star parties, educational outreach, safe solar viewing, model rocket building and launching will be some of the events taking place at this new observatory. Members of the Alachua Astronomy Club can also gather there to do private observing, astrophotography, mirror-grinding and other related astronomical activities.

Astronomy students from the University of Florida, Santa Fe College and possibly Newberry High School will be escorting guests out to the observatory area. Those who cannot walk will be driven by golf cart.

Those who helped make the Newberry Star Park a reality include Doug Engh of the National Alliance for the Development of Archery, Domenic E. Scorpio of PPI Construction, Glen Beck of Perry Construction; Joe Hoffman of Hoffman Construction and James Flateau of Innerlight Electrical Contractors of Florida.

For more information, contact Bob Lightner at 352.871.6479.