News Release

IWV Campus

guests enjoying dinner at the 3rd annual star party

4th Annual Astronomical BBQ & Star Party Slated for Oct. 9th

September 22, 2009

The Fourth Annual Astronomical Barbecue & Star Party at Cerro Coso Community College is scheduled for this Friday, October 9. This family event is co-sponsored by the College and the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation. The event supports the continued development of the "Dr. Alex Shlanta Memorial Astronomical Observatory" at Cerro Coso Community College.

The barbecue dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the College Library's front lawn. Tri-tip sandwich dinner with all the fixings, along with hot dogs for the younger kids will be served. Musical entertainment during the evening will be provided by the Cerro Coso Community Band. There will also be a wide assortment of door prize drawings which will commence at 7 p.m. The two grand door prizes donated by Jewelry To Go will be a blue sapphire and diamond two tone ring. The other grand door prize is a ladies pear drop violetish amethyst surrounded by diamonds necklace with a 18 inch 14 karat chain.

A narrated slide presentation and a brief overview of astronomy will be given by Carroll Evans from the China Lake Astronomical Society's (CLAS's) members in the College Library starting at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Star Party will take place at the observatory, and will begin approximately 7:30 p.m. For those desiring transportation, golf carts will be running continuously from the Library parking lot to the Astronomical Observatory and back. Major stars and constellations will be pointed out. There will be approximately 10 different telescope stations set up inside the Observatory compound for public viewing and explanations of what is seen by Cerro Coso instructor Ken Pringle and CLAS members staffing each station.

Tickets for adults are: $10.00, and children are only $8.00, toddlers three and under are free. Tickets are available at Red Rock Books, Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Cerro Coso Business Office.

For more information on this family evening of fun call the Cerro Coso Community College Public Information Office at 384-6230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Clark, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230