The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge sponsors a variety of free programs for the public. Among these events are Observatory Nights on the third Thursday of the month, specially scheduled Kids Academy, Sci-Fi Movie Nights, and Star Parties.

These events--unless otherwise noted--are held in Phillips Auditorium (at the rear of the CfA complex near Madison Street and large parking lot), 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, about 1 mile west of Harvard Square. No reservations are necessary, but seating is limited to the auditorium's capacity.

Please note that both of these events are weather-dependent. If the weather is bad, they won't take place. To check for cancellation, call (617) 495-7461.

Star Party Friday, July 11, 8:00 pm: "To the Moon!" David Aguilar, CfA. Phillips Auditorium, CfA.
We will explore the mountains, lowlands, and craters of a world 238,000 miles away. We will also view through the historic Clark telescope - a beautiful 9-inch-diameter refracting telescope built in 1912 by Alvan Clark & Sons.

Star Party Friday, July 25, 8:30 pm: "Into the Deep!" Hopkinton State Park, 268 Cedar Street (Route 85), Hopkinton, Mass.
We're taking a road trip and bringing out the BIG telescopes! We invite you to Hopkinton State Park and its dark skies to tour the nebulae and star clusters of the Milky Way, as well as neighboring galaxies. We'll also offer a constellation class so that you can learn how to spot the summer's best constellations and some of the telescope targets they contain.

For more information, including accessibility, or to sign up for the events mailing list, call the Public Affairs Office, (617) 495-7461 or email pubaffairs@cfa. Please request sign-language interpretation at least 2 weeks before the event. Current sky information is available.

The CfA is easily reached by public transportation. From the Harvard MBTA Station (Red Line), take any bus or trackless trolley going west on Concord Avenue (Arlmont Village and Belmont Center buses, Huron Avenue trolleys) and get off at "Observatory Hill."