The College of the Canyons Canyon Country Campus will host an encore appearance by the planet Jupiter, which will be back on campus in full display and available for all to view, during the campus’ annual fall Star Party, taking place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater.

“Over the last three years, the Canyon Country campus Star Party has received such a strong community response that we wanted to make sure that this family-friendly tradition continued,” said Dr. Dena Maloney, Vice President of the Canyon Country Campus and Economic Development.

During the event, College of the Canyons faculty members and local astronomers will be on hand to provide audiences with information related to Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view Jupiter through one of several high-powered telescopes that will be pointed toward the planet, its famous red spot and more than 60 moons.

“With Jupiter’s visibility so apparent this time of year, focusing on the many wonders of this planet is a natural fit for our fall Star Party,” Maloney said. “The elevated nature of our campus, combined with the clear views we experience on a nightly basis, makes the Canyon Country campus a perfect venue for gazing at the stars — and planets!”

To begin the evening, COC adjunct biology and physics professor David Michaels will present a short orientation lecture and Q & A session to familiarize audiences with the many awe-inspiring aspects of Jupiter’s size, unique features and planetary makeup.

Also included in the presentation will be information about other Jupiter-like planets that have recently been found orbiting around other stars, along with some insights about the other types of comets and shooting stars that may be witnessed by viewers later on in the evening.

Though some seating will be provided, Star Party attendees are encouraged to get to campus early with picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a festive outdoor atmosphere as the sun begins to set and Jupiter takes its place in the night sky.

Coffee, hot chocolate, pizza and other food items will be available for purchase at the event through Lamppost Pizza, operator of the Canyons Café on the Canyon Country Campus. A portion of the concession sales from the Star Party are being donated to the Dr. Ram Manvi Memorial Scholarship to benefit students who are majoring in the fields of mathematics, science or engineering technology.

Dr. Manvi was the former Dean of Math, Science and Engineering at College of the Canyons and was instrumental in launching the campus’ initial Star Party event in 2009.

Want to learn more about Jupiter or astronomy or the Canyon Country campus? Then bring your friends and family to this unique, educational and fun event!

For more information about the College of the Canyons Star Party, call the college’s Canyon Country campus at 661-362-3801.