Residents of all ages are invited to become astronomers and engineers for a day while attending Astronomy Day 2016 on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is being sponsored by the Santa Clarita Public Library in partnership with The Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita. In addition to the day’s events, a special night sky viewing will be held at 7 p.m. Astronomy Day 2016 will be taking place at the Valencia Library located at 23743 Valencia Boulevard. No RSVP is required to attend.

Astronomy Day 2016 aims to raise the interest of the general public in astronomy by giving them easy access to astronomical instruments such as telescopes. This event also offers residents a chance to interact with local astronomers and space scientists.

Young stargazers attending the event will be treated to a children’s educational presentation: “How Big is Big, How Far is Far,” by Richard Wade at 1:30 p.m. Wade has given science presentations for young people at libraries, schools and clubs for 18 years. This fun and entertaining presentation will help children easily understand scientific ideas.

Residents will also have the chance to construct their own telescope and sundials from scratch (while supplies last), partake in scavenger hunts, and learn how to solar observe.  The astronomy group will be sharing tips on how to use a telescope and welcomes residents to bring their personal telescopes.

The Valencia Library branch closes at 5:00 p.m., however the event continues at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot with a special night sky viewing set up by The Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita.  Attendees may bring their own telescope to view the sky, or can use one of the telescopes that will be provided on site.

Astronomy Day is a world-wide event observed each spring and fall.  Local astronomical societies, planetariums, museums, and observatories sponsor public viewing sessions, presentations, workshops, and other activities to increase public awareness about astronomy and our wonderful universe.

For more information about Astronomy Day 2016, please contact Michael Bozyk, Adult Services Librarian for the Santa Clarita Public Library at 661-799-6133.