A special lecture and new Moon cycle should provide excellent telescope viewing conditions during Jack C Davis Observatory Star Parties in November.

JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring will lecture about astronomer Carl Sagan, the late space science and planetary researcher who shaped modern space exploration, to tip off the Saturday, Nov. 7 Star Party. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. lecture. Provided the weather is mostly clear, there should be excellent viewing of the cosmos with darker than normal skies stemming from the beginning of a new Moon cycle. The Andromeda galaxy and Taurid meteor fireball may add to the viewing possibilities.

The second party of the month is set for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Telescope viewing and space and science discussions will highlight this party.

Both parties are free to attend. JCDO is located at 2269 Vanpatten Ave. on the northern end of WNC’s Carson City campus.