Utah travelers who enjoy astronomy may want to check out the 40-year-old Salt Lake Astronomical Society, a group that sponsors some of the largest telescopes in Utah and offers a series of free star and sun parties.

Participants will be invited to look through the three massive telescopes in the society's observatory at Stansbury Park or use the many personal telescopes provided by society members. Participants may also bring and use their own observing equipment and receive assistance if desired.

Highlights for this year include stunning views of the moon, Jupiter, Saturn and galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. Some solar telescopes give amazing views of the sun at daytime sun parties.

Star parties rotate between Stansbury Park, the parking lots of various Harmons grocery stores in the Salt Lake Valley and Wheeler Historic Farm.

For a schedule or information, log on to www.slas.us/calendar.asp.