See the Stars at Vistancia’s Astronomy Event May 18 May 18, 2012

Come see Venus, Mars and Saturn with astronomer Tony LaConte at Vistancia’s sixth annual Stargazing event May 18, free and open to the public.
A presentation will be provided on the constellations, Native American folklore and Greek mythology in the Solar Garden at Vistancia. Guests will learn how to identify various planets, stars and constellations through high-powered telescopes and see exploded stars like the "Ghost of Jupiter," star clusters such as the "Great Cluster of Hercules," double stars including "Mizar,” and galaxies like the "Sombrero Galaxy."
The “Grand Moon Illusion,” the optical illusion in which the moon appears to be larger near the horizon, will also be discussed.
Vistancia’s Solar Garden is the only one of its kind in Arizona and one of few in the nation. At the heart of the garden, a concrete sun measuring 12 feet in diameter, takes center stage in an amphitheater designed for celestial presentations.
"The Discovery Trail, that connects the entire community, is an important amenity we created for Vistancia residents for their enjoyment of the great outdoors in our beautiful Sonoran Desert," said Mark Hammons, vice president/general manager of Vistancia. "The Solar Garden, located along the trail, is ideal for families to come together and enjoy constellations that are much more visible because Vistancia is a dark sky community utilizing low-level outdoor lighting.”
Guests can meet at 7:15 p.m. at Sunset Park in Vistancia located across the street from Vistancia's Mountain Vista Club, 29701 N. Sunrise Point, Peoria. From the park, guests will be led on a guided walk on the community’s three-mile Discovery Trail to Vistancia's Solar Garden for the astronomy presentation and telescope viewing.
Girl and Boy Scouts are welcome and encouraged to attend the astronomy event for helping to fulfill merit badge requirements.
Guests should bring digital cameras to photograph Saturn through a telescope and binoculars to observe the starry sky. Chocolate moon pies and water will be provided at the event.
Vistancia is located northwest of Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road in Peoria set amongst a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges and pristine desert surroundings. The master-planned community now has a second north/south access. Take Loop 303 to the new Lone Mountain Parkway (exit 127). The Vistancia Information Center is located at the guard-gated entrance of Blackstone Country Club. For more information about Vistancia visit www.vistancia.com or call 623-933-6233.