The Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory’s star party observation deck will host visitors to stargaze every first Friday through Dec. 6. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory

There’s something deeply profound and moving about viewing the stars through a high-quality telescope.

A strange, simultaneous experience of wonder and personal insignificance serenely washes over you. You feel at one with the universe.

Every first Friday through Dec. 6, the University of Texas at San Antonio will offer free stargazing through its array of telescopes, which includes a $20,000 Meade LX200 Advanced Coma-Free model.

Trained astronomers will be on hand to operate the equipment and set the coordinates. Those who have a telescope they’re unsure how to use can bring it in for guidance.

After exiting the elevator of the Flawn Science Building on the fourth floor, look for the doors to the outside star party observation deck adjacent to the observatory. The public is encouraged to park in the nearby Ximenes Garage.

Free, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. first Fridays through Dec. 6, Curtis Vaughan Jr. Observatory, 4th floor, Flawn Science Building, UTSA Main Campus. 210)458-5731, sciences.utsa.edu/physics-astronomy.

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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.

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