The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) will offer astronomy programs to the public at YCAS' observatory at John Rudy County Park, 400 Mundis Race Road, York.

A public Starwatch will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 8 to 10 p.m. The event will begin with a screened astronomical presentation on current astronomy topics. Guests will then be guided on a tour of the sky through one of the club's telescopes. Attendees will be shown a host of celestial objects.

Visitors are also invited to bring their own telescopes to receive assistance with using them. YCAS members will be on hand to answer questions.

The event is free, but donations will be accepted. If the weather is clear, all activities will occur as scheduled. In the event of extreme weather, call 717-759-9227 for notice of cancellation or visit http://www.astroyork.com or search for "York County Astronomical Society" on Facebook.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, programs will include "Solar and Radio Astronomy" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Society member Kerry Smith will present the program, as well as give attendees a peek into the future of the society's radio astronomy endeavors. Radio astronomy is the study of unseen radiated energy in the electromagnetic spectrum below visible light. By using radio astronomy, society members are able to study astronomical phenomena that are otherwise invisible.

"How to Buy an Astronomical Telescope" will begin promptly at 1 p.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.

Those who have a telescope and are not sure how to use it may bring it to the observatory, and experts will be on hand to offer help between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The event is free, but donations will be accepted. If the weather is clear, all activities will occur as scheduled. If the sky is completely cloudy or it is raining, the indoor activity of a screen astronomical presentation will occur. In the event of extreme weather, call the aforementioned number or visit the previously mentioned Facebook page for notice of cancellation.