While not all of us can expect to fly into space, we can still enjoy the celestial pleasures of the universe from our perch on Earth, thanks to local clubs such as the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society.

Headed by president Paul Greenhalgh, the group is comprised of dedicated stargazers, who grind their own mirrors, build 20-inch telescopes and happily charge through the hills in wee hours of the night to observe some of the amazing activity dancing in solar systems far above our heads.

They are also dedicated to educating students of all ages about the deep heavens.

In fact, those wanting to soak up some of the romance of space can attend the society's 100-hour skywatching events on July 25 and Aug. 29, starting at 8 p.m. and going to midnight, or later on both nights.

The 100 Hours of Astronomy public star parties are open to people of all ages, and are actually a part of a global event, celebrated with star parties in more than 130 countries.

The star parties are held to mark the International Year of Astronomy this year, and to try to recreate what Galileo Galilei may have experienced when the 17th century Italian physicist first spied the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.

"We're trying to gather one million names of people who, for the very first time are having their very first look at a deep sky object or solar system object. In short we call it a Galileo Moment, to see what he saw back in the 1600s," said Greenhalgh.

Once the names have been gathered, they'll be placed on a CD or DVD and shot into space with one of the NASA projects that will venture out into deep space, he said.

The Fraser Valley astronomers will have their telescopes set up at the east end of McDonald Park, a dark sky park that's a 12-minute drive east of Abbotsford.

Visitors are encouraged to come observe the moon, Saturn and other celestial sights.

In August, society members will be watching the annual Perseid meteor showers, including special stargazing dates at Aldergrove Lake.

While its members travel to various sites, many FVAS events take place at McDonald Park, at the north end of No. 3 Road.

What makes this park unique is that it was designated a "dark sky park" in 2000, by then-mayor George Ferguson, thanks to lobbying from enthusiasm of Greenhalgh and local stargazers. It's one of only a handful of dark sky parks in Canada. It's a beautiful daytime public park on the Sumas River, and is open at night for astronomers to give viewing sessions for special groups or the public.

About half way to Chilliwack, McDonald Park is tucked against Sumas Mountain, which acts like a huge amphitheatre blocking light from Abbotsford, Chilliwack to the east and Mission to the north, to offer up fairly unobstructed east-south and western sky views.

Take exit 104 off the Trans-Canada Highway, head north over the highway on No. 3 Road, and the park is at the road's end.

For more information, give Greenhalgh a call at 604-302-2921, e-mail him at fvas@shaw.ca or see the website at www.fvas.net.