HAVE you ever wanted to see the craters of the moon up close? How about the rings of Saturn? Well now is your chance. The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society is holding a Public Star Party at its observatory at Standalone Farm, on Wilbury Road in

HAVE you ever wanted to see the craters of the moon up close? How about the rings of Saturn? Well now is your chance.

The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society is holding a Public Star Party at its observatory at Standalone Farm, on Wilbury Road in Letchworth GC.

The event begins at 7.30pm on Saturday (April 21). The sun will not have set at this time and will be part of the observing programme.

Some telescopes will be specially set to safely observe the sun and you may be able to see sunspots and solar flares.

Later, as the sky darkens, Venus and Saturn will start to show, and then the stars.

Meanwhile, the Moon will be clearly visible in the sky and visitors will hopefully get a close-up look at the craters and mountains of our nearest neighbour in space.

As a bonus, just after 8.50pm, the International Space Station may be seen passing silently across the sky.

The society's chairman Jerry

Stone said: "This is a terrific opportunity to see some of the wonders of the sky. There is a great line-up of astronomical sights on view. Whatever your level of interest in astronomy, we look forward to welcoming you."

Of course, all is dependent on the weather, but even if the sky is not clear, there will be displays and talks on various aspects of astronomy.

Admission and parking are free and refreshments will be available.

Visitors are also welcome to attend the society's next monthly meeting at 7.30pm on April 25 at Plinston Hall, on Broadway in Letchworth GC.

For more information, visit: www.ldas.org.uk