Dark Sky Festival

Cape Cod National Seashore welcomes back the Cape Cod Astronomical Society as cohost of our fourth annual Dark Sky Festival in the park!

 

Cape Cod National Seashore Dark Sky Festival Falcon 9 Rocket

Mary Lou Ricci

This year’s theme, “Stories Under the Starlight” will explore the importance of dark skies in our National Seashore, while also showcasing what the night sky has meant to people over the years. This event will include an evening star party at the Marconi Beach Parking Lot. This will be our fourth night sky celebration with viewing opportunities facilitated by passionate physicists, astronomers, photographers, and rangers. Admission is free and open to the public.

This Dark Sky Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the night sky and is appropriate for all ages. On Friday and Saturday, there will be family-oriented activities at the Salt Pond Visitor Center exploring the scope of our galaxy, storytelling, and constellation crafts.

We will also be hosting a Star Party on Friday August 29^th, from 8:00pm to 10:00pm at the Marconi Beach Parking Lot in WELLFLEET, Mass. The members of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society will join rangers from the National Seashore to explore the night sky through telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and with the naked eye.

In the event of inclement weather, a rain date of Saturday, August 30^th has been selected. Should the rain date be needed, please check the park’s website and social media pages.

IF YOU GO TO THE STAR PARTY: Dim your vehicle lights while 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.

This free event is made possible by the support of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society.

 

Full schedule of guest presenters to be announced soon!