FYI, this just went out to media outlets around the state. Cheers! Patrick Media Contact: Mark Bloomenthal V P, Salt Lake Astronomical Society 801.261.2567 August 3, 2004 August Star Parties at SPOC The Salt Lake Astronomical Society will be opening their Harmons Observatory in the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC) two Saturday nights this month, the 7th and 21st. Among the celestial sights to be observed is a sparkling cluster of some half a million stars, two galaxies in collision and several "stellar nurseries". The observatory is located at 15 Plaza in Stansbury Park. Start time will be around 8:30 p.m. The observatory can be reached by taking Interstate 80 west from Salt Lake City to exit 99 (the Stansbury / Tooele exit) and then following the signs south, first to Stansbury Park and then to the observatory. Drive time from downtown Salt Lake is about 35 minutes. A telescope specifically designed for use by those in wheelchairs is scheduled to be available both nights. In addition to the observatory events, the society will be hosting an additional star party on the 20th in the parking lot of the Harmons grocery store located at 5454 S. Redwood Road in Salt Lake City beginning at 8:30 p.m. and a day time Sun viewing party on the 28th at Winchester Park at 1200 W and 6400 S from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The events will only be held weather permitting. No reservations are required and there is no charge for admission. For further information please visit the Salt Lake Astronomical Society's web site at http://slas.ws. or call the observatory most evenings after 7:00 pm at 435.882.1209. * * *