News Release
Image courtesy Ali McFadzen
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Contact: Michael Raymonds, 508-255-3421, ext. 0304
WELLFLEET, Mass.– Cape Cod National Seashore welcomes Cape Cod Astronomical Society as a cohost of the park’s second annual “Dark Sky Festival” on September 15 and 16. This event will provide presentations and activities for the public at Salt Pond Visitor Center during the day and a “Star Party” night sky viewing event at Marconi Beach parking lot in Wellfleet. This will be the second night sky celebration with presentations from passionate physicists, astronomers, astrophotographers, and rangers. Admission is free, and all events are open to the public.
The Dark Sky Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the characteristics of the night sky for all ages. Throughout the day on Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16, there will be scientific presentations and family-oriented activities exploring the scope of our galaxy, storytelling, and constellation crafts. The evening of September 15 concludes with a “Star Party” at Marconi Beach parking lot from 7 to 9:30 pm. Members of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society will join park rangers to explore the night sky through telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and with the naked eye. The rain date for the “Star Party” is Saturday, September 16.
Presentations are courtesy of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society. Dr. Larry Marschall, a professor of physics, has taught astronomy, physics, and science writing for over 43 years. Henry Ricci started his passion for astrophotography at the age of 12 with a multi exposure of a partial solar eclipse to emulate photos seen in a Golden Guidebook. Jonathan Hatch serves as the secretary of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society after restarting his involvement with amateur astronomy, as well as photography. Dr. Frank Isik, a local from Wellfleet, loves the challenges of astrophotography, joining his passion of photography and astronomy. The presenters will inform the audience about amateur astronomy, amateur astrophotography, and the impacts of satellites on our experience of the night sky.
For the full list of events and details, visit: https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/dark-sky-festival.htm
IF YOU GO TO THE STAR PARTY: Dim your vehicle lights when entering the Marconi Beach parking lot. Follow signage and ranger instructions for parking spots. Bring a flashlight and meet a ranger at the orientation table to receive red cellophane to protect participants night vision. Bring binoculars, a chair or blanket, if you desire.This free event is made possible by the support of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society.
Last updated: September 1, 2023