A special after-dark “behind the scenes” tour Friday at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will include celestial observations using PARI’s optical or radio telescopes. The program begins at 7 p.m. with the tour, followed by the observing. Plans call for the tour to stop at PARI’s south optical ridge for a look at the new optical research telescope, a tour inside the Barrier Maintenance Building and a visit to the renovated Research Building. The event will take place regardless of the weather: Dress appropriately for being outside; wear comfortable walking shoes.

PARI is a public not-for-profit foundation established in 1998. Its campus near Rosman, in the Pisgah Forest 30 miles southwest of Asheville, is a dark-sky location for astronomy. It was selected in 1962 by NASA as the site for one of the first U.S. satellite tracking facilities.

Reservations are required for the tour and will be accepted until 3 p.m. Friday. Cost: $20; $15 for seniors/military and $10 for 13 and younger. Registration/details: 828-862-5554; www.pari.edu.