The Lake Afton Public Observatory is offering a Mother’s Day special in observance of the holiday.

On Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, if you bring your mother or grandmother to the observatory for the program “Celestial Favorites,” they will receive free admission when accompanied by a paying child.

During the program, visitors can use the observatory’s 16-inch telescope to observe Saturn, its rings and some of its moons; a dying star; a cluster of thousands of stars; and a nearby galaxy.

Visitors will then get to cast their vote for their favorite object in the sky to observe as our last object. In May, “Celestial Favorites” is presented from 9-11 p.m. May 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23.

Visitors can also enjoy the exhibit area, with its many interesting displays and activities, including exhibits that allow you to make a telescope, explore the properties of light, learn about stellar evolution and multi-wavelength astronomy, or touch a rock from space.

And computers are available for visitors to go on a scavenger hunt through the solar system or practice landing a spacecraft on the moon.

There are small telescopes and binoculars outside that visitors can use to find objects in the night sky.

Current programs and times, along with events taking place in the sky, are available in a recorded message by calling (316) 978-7827 (WSU-STAR).

The Lake Afton Public Observatory is operated by the Fairmount Center for Science and Mathematics Education, a part of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Science at Wichita State University.