City of Monterey Park, CA

01/23/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 19:31

Stargazers Day

Astronomy lovers of all ages are invited to the library on Saturday, February 1 for Stargazers Day, a day of astronomy-themed activities between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Attendees can learn about stars and planets commonly seen in the night sky, get up close and personal with the sights and sounds of the cosmos, try out a telescope, and more! See below for a full schedule of events and times.

Stargazers Day is supported by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS), which operates the Garvey Ranch Observatory in Monterey Park.

"Voices of the Universe" Art Installation

Showing between 2 p.m and 6 p.m. in the Scan & Save Room (located on the ground floor of the library)
Immerse yourself in the wonders of space in multimedia artist Elizabeth Wong's glorious soundscape installation! Viewing the full art piece takes approximately 12 minutes, with the last entry at 5:30 p.m. Suitable for adults and families.

Exploring the Night Sky

4-5 p.m. in the Friends Room
Join retired physicist Tim Thompson from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society for an introductory talk on astronomy and what you might see in the night sky. Recommended for adults, teens and older children.

Space Crafts for Kids

4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Storytime Room
Kids of all ages are invited to make constellation and eclipse crafts.

Stargazing in Barnes Park

6-8 p.m. in Barnes Park (across the street from the library)
Want to try out a telescope? Now's your chance! Volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society will be on hand to help out and answer questions. You'll also get a sneak peek at the library's new borrowing telescopes. (Please note that this is an after-hours event and the library will be closed to the public at this time. Adverse weather may affect this event.)

Stargazers Day celebrates the launch of the library's new Stargazing Kits. The kits include telescopes, observing stools, star guides, and everything else needed to explore the night sky, all contained in a convent carry bag. Kits are available for borrowing by adult library members from February 3, but those wanting a sneak peek can try out the telescopes at the evening stargazing session on February 1.

To learn more about Stargazers Day activities and our Stargazing Kits, call Adult Services at (626) 307-1368 or visit the library website.

Ad astra - to the stars!