Hartnell College and the National Park Service will co-host a unique event celebrating the natural wonders of both earth and sky at the Pinnacles National Monument's West Entrance on Friday, October 3, 2008.

The event is free and open to the public.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Hartnell geology instructor Bob Barminski and Ranger Carl Brenner will lead a one-hour guided nature hike where you will learn about the forces that created this region of rock formations and intricate canyons.

You may bring along a picnic dinner to enjoy at dusk, and then from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., share a sky talk and telescopic views of the heavens, courtesy of the Hartnell Planetarium, the Salinas High Astronomy Club, and the Hartnell College Fremont Peak Observatory interns.

The protected dark skies of the park create an environment perfect for star gazing and helping us foster a deeper understanding of and connection to our universe.

All activities will commence at the Pinnacles West Entrance Parking Lot. A $5 vehicle entrance fee to West Pinnacles is required, but there is no fee for the hike or star viewing. Visitors should try to arrive early; no vehicles are allowed entrance to the park after 8 p.m., though visitors may leave the park at any time. Due to fire danger, no barbeques or fires are allowed.

The West Pinnacles are accessed by exiting highway 101 at Soledad and following the clearly marked directional signs on highway 146 for 14 miles. Information about the park and its West Entrance may be accessed online at www.nps.gov/pinn/ .

For more information contact Hartnell College Planetarium Director Andy Newton at 831-755-6803.