News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore Invites You to Astronomy Night

Date: June 18, 2019
Contact: B.G. Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce Astronomy Night on Saturday, June 22, at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
 
NASA Solar System Ambassador, Lisa Pelletier-Harmon, will present a 45-minute presentation in the Harkers Island Theater entitled, Celestial Navigation Along the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The program will show visitors the basics of maritime navigation using the night sky. Join us as we learn how to star hop across the sky without the use of modern aids to navigation.  

Immediately after the presentation, park staff and local astronomers from the Crystal Coast Stargazers, a NASA Night Sky Network Astronomy Club, will host a Star Party (weather dependent) in front of the visitor center. This will offer curious participants the chance to witness the moon, and other sky-bound objects above the Southern Outer Banks through the lens of a telescope. Fun activities for the kids will be on hand, too.

Make the most of the night by coming prepared.  Check the weather and dress accordingly. Also, bring water, snacks, bug repellent, and flashlight with a red filter that helps in maintaining everyone’s night vision.

Folks may also consider bringing their own telescopes to learn how to get the most out of their own telescopic equipment from members of the Stargazers club.
 
The program is FREE. For more information, go to http://go.nps.gov/astronomynight    
 
Upcoming Astronomy Nights for 2019:

• Saturday, July 20, Harkers Island Visitor Center, 8:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.