This month promises to be a great one for members of the public with an interest in astronomy. Not only will the Salt Lake Astronomical Society dedicate a new observatory for the world? Largest amateur telescope, but between now and the end of the month, seven solar- and star-parties are planned plus a general meeting with the Sun as its topic. All are welcome without charge. Families will especially enjoy the experience. Events will be held weather allowing. The dedication of the newly-erected Kolb Observatory at Stansbury Park, Tooele County, and the Clements Telescope that it houses is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at the club's Stansbury Park Observatory Complex (SPOC), Stansbury Park, Tooele County. Club members, contractors and donors have been working for more than a year planning and constructing the observatory. Mike Clements, the Salt Lake County man who conceived, designed and built the scope, will be present for the ceremony as will other experts and dignitaries. SPOC is about 30 miles west of Salt Lake City. To reach the site from the capital city, drive west on I-80 and get off the freeway at the Tooele-Grantsville turnoff, Exit 99. Go south on Utah 36; at the third traffic signal turn right onto Stansbury Parkway. Continue west until the Plaza sign in the center median strip, and turn left onto Plaza. Park at the lot next to the skate board park and walk to the observatory, which is west of the park (to the right as one faces the park). Observatory director Rodger Fry said that following the dedication, club member Dale Wilson will host a barbecue, 6-8 p.m. (Those wishing to purchase barbecue fixin's should contact Wilson well before at dalel2112@yahoo.com or 801-518-7859.) A credit card reader will not be available. From 8 p.m. until midnight, the telescopes at SPOC, both club-owned and private, will be available for the public's viewing delight. These include the Clements, which when aimed horizontal is about 35 feet long, 11 1/2 feet wide and 16 feet high. Astronomical events in July include: ** Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. to noon, a sun party at Winchester Park, Jordan River Parkway, 6400 S. 1100 West. Club members will provide expertise and telescopes with special protective filters that allow the public to safely view our local star. ** Friday, July 14, a star party at Wheeler Farm, dusk until 11 p.m. As with all star- and sun-parties, club members will be on hand with their telescopes to explain the fascinating views. The location is 6351 S. 900 East, Salt Lake County. ** Saturday, July 15, a star party at SPOC from dusk until 11 p.m. ** Wednesday, July 19, the club's monthly general meeting in the Calvin L. Rampton Building, Salt Lake Community College Taylorsville-Redwood Campus, northeast corner, 7:30 to 9 p.m. The location is near 4600 S. Redwood Road and tentatively the subject is the sun, with a movie about the nuclear furnace at the center of our solar system. Free parking is available in the adjacent Q Lot. As long as supplies last, the society will offer safe eclipse-viewing glasses at $1 a pair, exact change only. ** Saturday, July 22, the dedication, barbeque and star party at SPOC, 4 p.m. to midnight. ** Wednesday, July 26, a star party at the Magna Public Library, 2675 S. 8950 West, sunset until 11 p.m.