The Friends of Galileo Astronomy Club will hold a public star party Wednesday evening to view Comet Pan-STARRS, a newly discovered comet that recently made its closest approach to the sun.

Astronomers discovered the comet in June 2011 by using the Pan-STARRS telescope located near the summit of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The comet has been wowing observers in the Northern Hemisphere now that is has zipped into the inner solar system. It passed closest to Earth on March 5.

The star gazing party starts at 6:45 p.m. at the track behind Mark Morris High School. Entry is from 17th Avenue off Ocean Beach Highway. Club members will share telescopes, but non-members are encouraged to bring star-gazing equipment such as telescopes and binoculars.

Jupiter and the moon also will be highlighted.

In case of cloudy, weather the club will hold a program called Deadly Meteors and Comets in the Learning Center inside the school next to the cafeteria.

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Astronomy club to hold star party for Pan-STARRS comet