Kauais unique topology and weather allows some of the best star gazing conditions at sea level, said Dr. James Dire.

The vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Kauai Community College will speak on those conditions during his Astronomy on Kauai is Looking Up free presentation 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hanapepe Public Library.

The combination of strong trade winds nine months of the year, 4,000 to 5,000 foot mountains throughout the center of the island, and the Mana plain, located along the leeward side of the island produces an abundance of clear skies along the 17-mile beach, Dire said in a press release.

Dire said Kauai is also free of the outdoor light restrictions found on Maui and the Big Island, but the islands small population and strong sense of preserving environment allows islands skies to be free of major light pollution.

Kauais location 22 degrees north of the equator allows sighting of all celestial objects in the northern half of the celestial sphere and a major fraction of southern hemisphere objects, he said.

The Kauai Educational Association for Science and Astronomy maintains the islands largest observatory and hosts public viewing events at various locations throughout the island.

Dire will describe the KEASA activities and explore the heavens as seen by telescopes on Kauai.

Part of the monthly Hawaiian Marine Environment lecture series, Dires presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Hanapepe Library.

The Hanapepe Library is at 4490 Kona Road.

Information: 335-8418

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Dire says astronomy on Kaua‘i is looking up