A free Star Party night skies program is set for 6-8 p.m. CST March 9 at Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, Ala.

There will be a talk from John Weiss, a NASA scientist. Dr. Laura Weinkauf of Jacksonville State University will be assisting and the park has invited area astronomical societies to participate.

Children can earn a Night Skies Junior Ranger patch. Telescopes will be available for viewing the stars and other heavenly objects.

Park Ranger Larry Beane said, "Many people live in cities, or just have lights at their homes and do not get to see all the stars of a dark sky."

Be sure to dress for the weather. If you have a flashlight and can put red cellophane over the lens it will help you navigate in the yard without interrupting your night vision.

For more information call Beane or Gayal Haag at Little River Canyon National Preserve 256-845-9605. Check out our webpage at www.nps.gov/liri. You can follow our updates and find park pictures on Facebook at "lirinps."