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Community Corner

Set Your Sights on the Stars

A star-gazing party is being held at Sycamore Canyon Preserve on Friday.

Just because this isn’t Hollywood doesn’t mean there’s never a chance to see some dazzling stars!

Friday evening, residents can visit Sycamore Canyon Preserve for a “Star Party,” featuring some of our solar systems most spectacular planets and stars. The San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) is hosting this celestial celebration at Sycamore Canyon and invites the public to come out and learn something new.

The SDAA will have telescopes set up, each pointed to specific sights, like Venus, Orion and Saturn. The open space of the preserve provides plenty of darkness, which makes for optimal star gazing.

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The February skies will provide nice viewing for Mars and Jupiter’s colorful bands. Members of the SDAA will also be able to point out various galaxies and nebulas, where stars are born, in sight. Star clusters, though void of big-name actors, will be visible and a treat to your eyes.

Though the forecast is clear for Friday, if rain or cloud cover enters the skies, the star party will be canceled. So cross your fingers for clear weather and head out to Sycamore Canyon Preserve on Feb. 17 at sunset.

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You can enter the staging area of Sycamore Canyon on South Highway 67, about a half mile south of Poway Scripps Parkway. Lights will mark the entrance and rangers will direct you to parking for this free and dazzling star-studded event.

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