Sandy-area families can peer through some of Utah's largest telescopes for free this fall as the Salt Lake County Library's Star Party series makes three more stops across the valley.

The closest event to Sandy takes place Friday, Sept. 18, at Whitmore Library, 2197 E. Fort Union Blvd. in Cottonwood Heights, just north of Sandy. The all-ages evening begins at dusk, weather permitting. No equipment is needed. The library's Star Party event page will post updates as the date approaches.

The series, run in partnership with the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, brings large telescopes to library parking lots so attendees can view the moon, planets and distant galaxies. Volunteers set up the scopes and guide viewers through the night sky.

It's free.

Before that, the next Star Party is Friday, Aug. 21, at Millcreek Library, 2266 E. Evergreen Ave. A final fall date follows on Friday, Oct. 16, at Kearns Library, 4275 W. 5345 S.

Borrow a telescope from Sandy Library

Residents who catch the astronomy bug don't have to wait for the next event. The County Library lends Orion StarBlast telescopes through its Library of Things program at every branch, including Sandy's.

Each telescope checks out for seven days on a standard library card. Only one per card is allowed, and it must be returned to the same branch. To reserve one, patrons can check availability in the online catalog, call customer service at 801-943-4636 or ask a librarian in person. Holds must be picked up within six days.

The Salt Lake Astronomical Society, which operates the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex and hosts public viewing nights along the Wasatch Front, supplies the telescopes for both the lending program and the Star Party events.

Upcoming community events

• Friday, Aug. 21: Star Party at Millcreek Library, 2266 E. Evergreen Ave., at dusk. Free, all ages.
• Friday, Sept. 18: Star Party at Whitmore Library, 2197 E. Fort Union Blvd., at dusk. Free, all ages.
• Friday, Oct. 16: Star Party at Kearns Library, 4275 W. 5345 S., at dusk. Free, all ages.