Star Party at Moorpark College Promises Close-Up Look at the Universe — and a Few Big Questions
(CLAIR | Moorpark, CA) — There’s something about seeing Saturn’s rings with your own eyes that makes you stop and think. Not just about space, but about how much we take for granted just by not looking up.
That’s the kind of moment the Ventura County Astronomical Society is hoping to spark on Saturday, May 3rd, when they host a free Star Party from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Charles Temple Observatory at Moorpark College.
No tickets. No science degree required. Just curiosity.
Telescopes will be set up and aimed at planets, stars, and galaxies. There’s also a short talk called “What’s Up in the Sky Tonight,” which helps guests understand what they’re seeing — and why it matters.
But the best part isn’t the equipment or the science. It’s the questions people ask. Every time, someone wonders aloud, “How old is that star?” Or, “Are we really seeing light from the past?” Or even, “Is someone out there looking back?”
The answers aren’t always clear. But that’s part of the fun.
“Kids always ask the best questions,” one volunteer said. “I was once asked if stars ever get tired of shining. That led to a 15-minute conversation about the life cycle of stars.”
Events like this remind people that the night sky is alive. And accessible. You don’t have to drive to the desert or mountains to get up close with the sky.
It’s also a place where someone inevitably claims to see a UFO. Usually it’s a satellite or a plane. But for a few minutes, you feel the wonder of not knowing.
If you go, dress warm — it can get cold after sunset. Bring someone who’s never looked through a telescope before. And maybe bring a question or two of your own.
The observatory is located at Moorpark College. The event is open to all ages. For more details, visit www.vcas.org.
