If you canB次元官网网址檛 travel to Mars, going to this weekendB次元官网网址檚 Star Party in Metchosin might be the next best thing.

Astronomers from across Greater Victoria are gathering at the Metchosin municipal ground for a weekend of gazing at stars, watching solar storms and camping out.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada-Victoria Chapter hosts the party, which is open to the public.

Metchosin astronomer Sherry Buttnor leads a workshop called Astronomy 101 for anyone wanting to learn the basics. SheB次元官网网址檒l also host a guided telescope walk on Friday night (Aug. 17).

During the day, Buttnor said many members will have their telescopes set up to watch magnetic storms on the sun.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 absolutely true you are never supposed to look at the sun unless you have the proper equipment. You can do it safely if you know what you are doing,B次元官网网址� she said, explaining that she uses a neutral density white light filter on the end of her telescope.

Buttnor has been involved in astronomy for 30 years and has even built her own telescopes.

In the early mornings, the Andromeda galaxy is one of ButtnorB次元官网网址檚 favourite sights.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 our nearest neighbour. ItB次元官网网址檚 2.1 million lights years away, but as far as astronomical distances go, itB次元官网网址檚 right next door,B次元官网网址� Buttnor said. B次元官网网址淚 like to take what IB次元官网网址檝e learned and share with others.B次元官网网址�

Families and children are encouraged to come out and learn about all types of astronomy.

B次元官网网址淜ids look through the eyepiece and they are wide-eyed at what they see,B次元官网网址� Buttnor said.

Saturday afternoon, from 4 to 6 p.m., childrenB次元官网网址檚 activities include crafts involving planets and comets as well as face painting.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 best if people bring their own telescopes,B次元官网网址� Buttnor said. B次元官网网址淚t doesnB次元官网网址檛 matter what youB次元官网网址檝e got, even if itB次元官网网址檚 just a drug store telescope, everyoneB次元官网网址檚 welcome.B次元官网网址�

Throughout the weekend there will be series of workshops and lectures as well as plenty of time to look into the universe. All flashlights must have tape over the end to dim the light.

The star party runs from Friday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, Aug. 19 at noon. There is no charge to attend the star party, but donations are appreciated. Food and drink is not provided. For more information, go to victoria.rasc.ca/events/StarParty. The Metchosin muncipal grounds is located at 4450 Happy Valley Rd.

charla@goldstreamgazette.com

PARTY TIMES

Friday, Aug. 17

B次元官网网址� 8 p.m. door prizes

B次元官网网址� 8:30 p.m. Speaker Dr. J.J. Kavelaars Senior Research Officer at the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics

B次元官网网址� 9:30 p.m. Guided telescope walk and Astronomy 101

Saturday, Aug. 18

B次元官网网址� Solar viewing all day

B次元官网网址� 1 p.m. astronomy swap meet

B次元官网网址� 2 p.m. workshops on spectroscopy and observing lists and awards

B次元官网网址� 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. activities for kids

B次元官网网址� 8 p.m. door prizes

B次元官网网址� 8:30 p.m. Speaker Dr. Cassandra Fallscheer, Postdoctoral, University of Victoria, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics

B次元官网网址� 9:30 p.m. Guided Telescope Walk and Binocular Tour of the sky by Scott Mair