NANTUCKET – Residents and visitors on Nantucket will be able to participate in a star gazing event early next month.

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association will host a “Star Party” on Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. at the Loines Observatory.

The “Star Party” will feature special guests from the non-profit Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston.

The party will bring together professional and amateur astronomers and the public for a night of telescope tinkering and sky-watching.

About 20 amateur astronomers from Boston will come to the island to learn about its astronomical past and to share their knowledge of the sky to residents.

Many astronomers will bring their own portable telescopes providing an opportunity for the public to view the night sky.

The Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston was founded in 1934 and is one of the oldest and largest general interest astronomy clubs in the nation.

The event is free and open to the public.