Star party planned at Creekside Environmental Center Thursday night

[October 20, 2014]  LINCOLN - A star party will be held at Creekside, Lincoln College’s Outdoor Center for Environmental Education, at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23.

This event is free and open to star gazers of all ages. The evening will include a three-part program: a presentation by a member of the Twin-City Amateur Astronomers of Bloomington-Normal, a sky tour using a laser pointer, and exploration of the night sky through telescopes. Objects that may be visible include the Ring Nebula, Dumbbell Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, globular and open star clusters, and possibly the remnant of a supernova. Participants may want to bring flashlights, as Creekside is not a lighted facility. In case of rain, the event will be held on October 30.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lincoln College Librarian Mike Starasta at [phone] or email [e-mail]. RSVPs are not required, but are helpful for planning purposes.

Creekside is an innovative 4-acre educational site recognized by the scientific community for its biological diversity and geological and archeological significance. Creekside is located along Sugar Creek, about five miles north of Lincoln. Directions: From I-55, take Exit 133 toward Lincoln. Turn left onto North Lincoln Parkway and travel 3 miles. Turn right on 1250th Ave (Nicholson Rd) and travel 3.1 miles (passing over I-55, past the Epperson subdivision, and over Kickapoo Creek). Turn left on 2000th St (the second left after Kickapoo Creek) and travel about half a mile. Turn right onto the gravel road marked Small-Edwards Trace that leads to Creekside.

[Tracy Bergin, Lincoln College]