News Release

Join Us for the Return of Astronomy Night at Cape Lookout National Seashore

Date: July 9, 2021
Contact: BG Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – – After more than a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce the return of Astronomy Night on Friday, July 16, at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 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. The Star Party 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.

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 https://go.nps.gov/astronomynight