Join star party host Sean O'Brien of the Museum's Albert Einstein Planetarium and amateur astronomers for astronomical observing under dark, star-filled skies, away from city lights. The program begins with a half-hour "Junior Astronomer" program for children ages 5-12. Next is a presentation by a Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador followed by night sky orientation. One of the telescopes available is a National Air and Space Museum Celestar-8, a typical "backyard" telescope available to amateur astronomers. If weather allows, there will also be astronomical observing of celestial objects.
 
Sky Meadows State Park is west of Washington, D.C. on US Route 17 North, 1 mile south of US Route 50, or 7 miles north of Interstate 66, Exit 23. The park phone number is (540) 592-3556.
 
There is a $5 parking fee per car. Please cover flashlights with a red filter or a brown paper bag. Dress warmly. If the sky is cloudy, only the "Junior Astronomer" and multi-media programs will be presented and the park gates will close at 9:00 p.m.

Saturday Star Party participants and amateur astronomers enjoy astronomical observing under dark, star-filled skies, away from city lights at Sky Meadow's State Park near Paris Virginia.