Saturday, March 8th, marks the date of the second of 6 scheduled astronomy program at Hobbs State Park - Conservation Area for 2008. The 6:30 p.m. program will take place at the park's Hidden Diversity, Multi-Use Trail parking lot on

Townsend Ridge Road.

The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will present the program and provide several high-powered telescopes for the event. According to Jack McDaniels~ president of the Sugar Creek group, March offers plenty to see in the night sky. McDaniels said, "In March the views of the Orion Nebula are breathtaking. This is the location of the 'Star Nursery', where stars are being formed out in an immense

cloud of molecular gas. Also easy to see are The Pleiades (Seven Sisters) which is a great sight even with binoculars. There are plenty of star clusters, double stars, and two planets to boot: Mars and Saturn".

It is the goal of the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society to get beginning night viewers excited about what is in the heavens. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Astronomical Society members will answer questions regarding night viewing equipment. Binoculars are also excellent for amateur night sky

viewing.

The program is designed for beginning astronomers. Children/scout groups, adults, and families are all welcome.

What to Bring:

*Warm Clothes (although the forecast is for chilly weather, the sky should be clear)

*Hot chocolate or coffee

*Flashlight - with red material or a red balloon affixed over the globe.

*Binoculars or telescope

*Folding chair ~ one per person

*Star Chart

*Your Enthusiasm

A restroom is on site.

Driving Directions from Rogers to the Program Site:

Take Highway 12 east out of Rogers approximately 12.5 miles to Townsend Ridge Road, (Just before War Eagle Road) tum right onto Townsend Ridge Road. Go 2 miles to the Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail parking lot. (On the right) Driving time from Highway 12/Second Street intersection in Rogers is approximately 20

minutes.

Note: The program will go on even if the sky is partially over~cast. In the event of rain, the program will be cancelled. Please watch your local TV station for the latest weather updates.