The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei is credited with pointing the first telescope skyward almost 400 years ago. With this instrument he saw mountains and craters on the Moon. He realized that the Milky Way is composed of stars, and he discovered the four largest satellites of Jupiter. From these humble beginnings in 1609, people have been stargazing ever since.

Amateur astronomers worldwide travel countless miles to congregate and gaze at the stars. Fortunately, you don't have to...

The East Valley Astronomy Club sponsors a free public star party each month at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. The event is scheduled on the second Friday of each month, weather permitting. The star party begins at dusk. You are encouraged to attend and observe through member's telescopes.

2010 Public Star Party Schedule

January 8th

February 12th

March 12th

April 9th

May 14th

June 11th

July 9th

August 13th

September 10th

October 8th

November 12th

December 10th

The star party is held in the parking lot due east of the Southeast Regional Library. Heading east from the intersection of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads, the entrance to the parking lot is the third driveway on the right. See the maps below:

If you would like to arrange a star party for your school, group or club please contact our Events Coordinators, Randy Peterson or Butch Miller.

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The Riparian Institute hosts an astronomical lecture at 8:00 PM inside the library. There is a nominal $5 charge to attend the lecture.

Please visit the Riparian Institute for more information on their mission to promote development of strategies and actions to reserve and protect unique water environments and their ecological value, while meeting the education and recreation aspirations of visitors to these areas.