The night sky is a wondrous, mysterious draw for star gazers and astronomy enthusiasts.

The newly formed Warren County Astronomical Society hopes to attract members with a sky party kick off event, set for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Hisey Park, 5443 Middletown Road in Waynesville.

It is our opening event to invite the public in and see if they would like to join, president Jeff Blazey said.

The group formed about a year ago and is headquartered at Hisey Park. The cost of a yearly membership is $35 per person.

Were seeking membership and want to teach people about the night sky, said Fred Bay, Warren County Park District commissioner and director of the astronomical society.

The society is affiliated with the Warren County Park District. The group will operate out of three locations: Hisey Park, Camp Joy and Gulley Park, on Middleborough Road, southwest of Clarksville.

The darker the sky equals better viewing, Bay said. That is the jewel of Warren County. Jeff did extensive surveys to find the darkest areas in the county.

One subgroup within the astronomy society is radio astronomy, which includes talking through satellites and listening to sounds from planets. Future subgroups will track the international space station and satellites, and learn how to make telescopes.

Goals include workshops and educational components for members.

Blazey and his late wife, County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel, donated a refracting telescope to the society.

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New astronomy group hosts kick off event