Long Islanders are invited to celebrate the night sky during the Astronomy Star Party, held monthly throughout the winter at Moriches Branch Library.
The next opportunities to view constellations will be Thursday, Feb. 19, and Thursday, March 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, will focus on the moon, starting at 7:30 p.m. Star parties are held on the library lawn at 201 Montauk Highway.
“It’s as much of an observation session as it is a social group for people with an interest in astronomy,” said full-time librarian trainee JD Verbeck.
His passion for astronomy drew notice when he began at the library around the 2024 lunar eclipse.
“I got to talk extensively about my interest, and they encouraged me to start a program,” he recalled. The rewards have not diminished. “For me, it’s always the reaction of people when they get to see a planet for the first time, particularly Saturn,” he said.
Verbeck recommends bringing a lawn chair, as well as binoculars or telescopes, and dressing for the cold. He also provides a few telescopes, and a telescope may be available for check out in the coming weeks, he said.
The night sky is best observed in the winter, so the program runs from around September to April or May.
In February, attendees may see Jupiter, the Seven Sisters, the Double Cluster, and the Orion Nebula. No celestial highlights have been announced for March. April will focus on the moon.
"It certainly is always great in the winter to look at the night sky. Right now Jupiter is in a great position for viewing," he said.
The drop-in program is weather permitting, Verbeck said. Those who sign up will receive notice of cancellations.
For details on other events at Mastics Moriches Shirley Community Library visit the website.