McCloud to host astronomy program

NORTH SALEM --Expert stargazers from The Indiana Astronomical Society will join Hendricks County Parks and Recreation naturalists for a free monthly astronomy program at McCloud Nature Park on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Meet in the Nature Center at 7:30 p.m. for a sky seminar which will provide emphasis on actual observing, helping beginners find their way around the night sky by learning how a telescope works and how to recognize constellations, planets, galaxies and nebulae of all kinds that may be seen that evening.

Following the seminar, there will be an outdoor viewing session through a limited number of binoculars and telescopes provided, participants can bring their own also. The outdoor stargazing is dependent upon clear skies, but the introductory sky seminar will take place rain or shine. Leave the light pollution of the city behind as you enjoy the scenery and skies of McCloud Nature Park.

McCloud Nature Park is operated by Hendricks County Parks and Recreation and is located five minutes south of North Salem at 8518 N. Hughes Rd.

Admission is always free and the park is open from dawn to dusk daily.

The Nature Center's hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on McCloud Nature Park and park programs call Hendricks County Parks and Recreation at 317-718-6188 or visit the website at www.hendrickscountyparks.org.