Observe the heavens Nov. 19 at Alamo State Park

Alamo Lake State Park will host its "5th Annual Night Under the Stars" astronomy program on the night of the new moon on Saturday, Nov. 19. Because Alamo Lake State Park is 30 miles from the nearest small town, the park's dark skies offer some of Arizona's best unaided views of celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Triangulum Galaxy. Activities begin at noon and continue throughout the day and evening.

Terrestial objects that are not easily seen from within the city are easy binocular targets when viewed from Alamo Lake State Park due to the dark environment. Moons, planets, galaxies, star clusters and nebula will fill up the eyepiece when seen through the telescopes set up for visitors that night. Astronomy clubs and amateur astronomers from around the state provide the telescopes to allow visitors to explore the night sky.

If you attend, bring a red flashlight and comfort items such as folding chairs, warm clothes, bottled water and snacks. The park has camping, fishing and ramadas available for RVers and tents. Primitive camping sites are offered to participating astronomy clubs and individuals who bring a telescope to the Star Party to share with visitors.

The Park Entrance fee is $7 (up to four adults) per vehicle. Primitive and full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $13 to $25 per night depending on the type of camping site needed. Alamo Lake State Park is located 38 miles north of Wenden and US 60. Wenden is two hours west of Phoenix north of I-10. Alamo Lake State Park offers hiking, OHV trails, birdwatching, bass fishing, and is one of Arizona's largest lakes. Learn more at the Alamo State Park website. Campground reservations can now be made online.