College of the Canyons (COC) hosted its annual Star Party for the community in Canyon Country on Friday night. 

On Friday, COC hosted its annual Star Party featuring the “Science Talks Series Presents” at the Canyon Country Campus. 

Dani Gallegos / KHTS News

“We love coming out, we love sharing about astronomy and stem projects and we welcome you guys,” said Dave Flynn, member and lead of the local astronomy group. 

Guest speaker J. (Bob) Balaram presented “The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter – Humanity First Flight On Another Plant” and discussed the development of the Mars helicopter, its operation on Mars and the implications for the future exploration of the Red Planet. 

Dani Gallegos / KHTS News

As the originator of the concept that became the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, Balaram served as the project Chief Engineer during its development, test and operations. 

Balaram has also served as the Initiative for a Strategic Research and Technology Development effort to develop science helicopters on Mars as a follow-up to the success of Ingenuity. 

Dani Gallegos / KHTS News

Flynn along with the rest of the members from the local astronomy group brought their telescopes for participants to view the sky. 

Due to the weather, participants along with the local astronomy group were unable to view the sky with the telescopes due to rain getting inside of them. 

The evening was set to include science updates by COC faculty and students such as the COC Aerospace and Science Team, as well as activity tables and demonstrations. 

For more information, click here. 

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