August 16, 2021 – Explore the night sky during the 37th Annual Astronomy Jamboree. This free event will be held at Friends Creek Conservation Area on Saturday, August 21 from 8-10 pm. Enjoy live, acoustic, Americana music by Ashley Riley from 8 pm to 8:45 pm, then view the stars and visible planets through telescopes. You should be able to see Jupiter, Saturn, and closely examine the surface of Earth’s moon.
“With the Conservation District’s telescope, you can make out the rings of Saturn and the Red Spot on Jupiter. It’s pretty cool,” says Nature Center Manager, Alysia Callison. “We will also still technically be within the dates of the Perseid Meteor Shower, so there’s a chance you could see a shooting star or two!”
There will be a children’s craft, giveaway prize, and hotdogs for roasting. Attendees are welcome to bring their own telescopes too. Free and for all ages. Must pre-register online by noon on August 20 at MaconCountyConservation.org. Space is limited.
Friends Creek Conservation Area is located at 13734 Friends Creek Park Rd., Argenta, IL. To get to Friends Creek from Decatur, go northeast on Route 48 for 11 miles and turn left onto Friends Creek Park Road. Parking is available.
