Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area to Host Free Astronomy Program

“The Future of Space Exploration “and Night Sky Viewing

(ROGERS, Ark.) – Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will host a free astronomy program on Saturday, September 21, from 7:00 pm until 10:00 p.m. at the park’s visitor center.  The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will provide powerful telescopes for all guests to use.  No reservations are necessary.

The evening begins with an indoor program at 7:00 pm in the Hobbs State Park visitor center when Jack Haynes will discuss “The Future of Space Exploration”.  Weather permitting, outdoor viewing will begin about 8:00 pm.  We will observe constellations of late summer and early fall.    Cygnus, the northernmost of the September constellations, represents the Swan.  The constellation is very easy to identify because is it dominated by a large cross-shaped asterism known as the Northern Cross.

Saturn is returning to evening viewing and we should see it towards the end of the viewing time slot.  The angle of the rings is noticeably changing!   

Items you may wish to bring include a flashlight covered with a red cloth (or red balloon) and a folding chair.  If you have binoculars or a star chart, feel free to bring them.   Recommended for ages 8+.

For more information, contact the park’s visitor center at 479-789-5000.