Back at the Canyon Country campus for a second viewing, the planet Jupiter will be on full display and available for all to view during the campus’ annual fall Star Party, being held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, in the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater.

During the event, College of the Canyons faculty members and astronomers will be on hand to provide audiences with information related to the largest planet in the solar system and help attendees personally view the planet through one of several high-powered telescopes that will be positioned toward the planet, its famous red spot and more than 60 moons.

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To begin the evening, NASA astronomer Dr. David Ciardi and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) science system engineer Dr. Kevin Grazier will present a short orientation lecture to familiarize audiences with the fifth planet from the sun.

“This is the second time we’ve looked at Jupiter,” said Dr. Dena Maloney, Vice President of the Canyon Country Campus and Economic Development. “We had such strong feedback about that first event and, given Jupiter’s visibility at this time of year, we’ve decided to focus on it again.

“Jupiter is a fascinating planet,” stressed Maloney, “and there is still a lot we can learn about it.”

Star Party attendees are encouraged to come early with picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a festive atmosphere as the sun sets in the west and Jupiter comes into view.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event through campus food vendor Maui Wowi. A portion of the concession sales from the Star Party will be donated to the Dr. Ram Manvi Memorial scholarship fund, to benefit students who are majoring in the fields of mathematics, science or engineering technology.