Mike Thomas Lecture Series visits Western Nevada Colleges Jack C. Davis Observatory on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9 for presentations on a couple of extraordinary people from France.

On Nov. 8, Thomas will talk about Joan of Arc, who became a saint and hero to the people of France in the 1400s. The following night, Thomas focus shifts to Jules Verne, the father of science fiction. Verne wrote science fiction novels such as Around the World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

Now observing a fall and winter schedule at JCDO, these free presentations will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

On Saturday nights when lectures arent scheduled, the observatory is open to the public from sundown to 11 p.m. At this time, the Western Nevada Astronomical SocietyhostsStar Parties, bringing together people with an interest in astronomy.Newcomers are always welcome.

The observatory is located at 2699 Vanpatten Drive in Carson City.