Even if clouds roll in this weekend, the excitement will still be sky-high at Western Nevada College.

With mostly cloudy conditions in the forecast Saturday night, the first Star Party in April at Jack C. Davis Observatory will turn its focus from the night sky to one of the most exciting space missions of our time — Artemis II.

Observatory Director Dr. Thomas Herring will share images and video from the mission and provide insight into what’s next for NASA’s Artemis program. The timing couldn’t be better, as the Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth just one day prior, splashing down off the coast near San Diego.

“Events like our Star Parties at the Jack C. Davis Observatory reflect Western Nevada College’s commitment to making learning accessible, engaging and inspiring for our entire community,” said President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “Whether observing the night sky or exploring groundbreaking missions like Artemis II, these experiences spark curiosity and connect people of all ages to science, discovery and the possibilities of the future.”

Guests will still have plenty to explore, including tours of the telescope room and opportunities to learn more about the universe from Dr. Herring and knowledgeable observatory volunteers.

The Star Party begins at 6:30 p.m. at the observatory, located on the northern end of WNC’s Carson City campus. The event is free and open to the public, offering a perfect chance for the community to come together and celebrate space exploration — no clear skies required.