Neighbors can peer at the moon, planets and distant galaxies through some of Utah's largest telescopes Friday, Aug. 21, when the Salt Lake Astronomical Society sets up outside the Millcreek Branch Library for a free Star Party.

The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at the library, 2266 E. Evergreen Ave. No equipment is needed. Just show up.

SLAS members will set up telescopes at the library at dusk, according to the Salt Lake County Library's event listing. The society operates four large telescopes at its Stansbury Park Observatory Complex and regularly hosts public viewing nights across the Wasatch Front. Attendees at the Millcreek party can expect views of the moon, solar system planets and far-away galaxies.

The Millcreek event is one of four library star parties SLAS is hosting across Salt Lake County this year. The Riverton branch held its party in July; the Whitmore branch (2197 E. Fort Union Blvd.) follows on Friday, Sept. 18, and the Kearns branch closes the series on Friday, Oct. 16.

The event is weather-permitting.

Residents who catch the astronomy bug can also borrow an Orion StarBlast telescope from the Millcreek branch through the county library's Library of Things program. The checkout period is seven days, one telescope per library card. To reserve one, check availability in the catalog, call 801-943-4636 or stop by the branch.

The NASA Night Sky Network also lists a Star Party at the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 7 to 11 p.m., and a Solar Viewing Party at Winchester Park in Murray on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Upcoming community events:

• Friday, Aug. 21: Star Party, Millcreek Branch Library, 2266 E. Evergreen Ave., 7–10 p.m. Free, all ages, weather permitting.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: Star Party, Stansbury Park Observatory Complex, 7–11 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 29: Solar Viewing Party, Winchester Park, Murray, 9 a.m.–noon.
• Friday, Sept. 18: Star Party, Whitmore Branch Library, 2197 E. Fort Union Blvd., dusk.