Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Join local astronomy experts, Tony and Carole La Conte, from Stargazing for Everyone, on Saturday, Oct.12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant as they bring the universe to you.

Learn about the constellations, planets, star clusters and nebulas as you peer through telescopes and binoculars and enjoy stories about the night sky. The two-hour stargazing event is a great way to learn about the galaxy while taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

During the presentation, the La Contes will also share tips with meteor-watching enthusiasts on how to best observe the trains from the Orionid meteor shower expected to peak before dawn on Oct. 21.

In addition to the stargazing program, park visitors will have the chance to participate in youth activities, check out the center’s live animal exhibits and purchase hamburgers, hot dogs and chilled beverages.

Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, digital cameras, lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. This is a family friendly activity. The park entrance opens at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is a $6 per vehicle park entry fee for the event; reservations are not required.

The Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant is located at 41402 N. 87th Avenue in Peoria (just east of Lake Pleasant Regional Park). For additional information, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/doc or phone (602) 372-7470 ext. 208.