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Contact: BG Horvat, 252-838-8906
HARKERS ISLAND, NC – – Cape Lookout National Seashore (a certified International Dark Sky Park) welcomes night sky enthusiasts to Astronomy Night on Friday, June 17 at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, at 8:30 P.M. (EDT).
Join us in the Harkers Island Visitor Center Theater for a special presentation of the acclaimed 56-minute, (2018) documentary, Saving the Dark, Directed by Sriram Murali, and created in association with the International Dark Sky Association. 80% of the world's population can no longer see the Milky Way. What do we lose when we lose sight of the stars? Excessive and improper lighting robs us of our night skies, disrupts our sleep patterns and endangers nocturnal habitats. The current advances in LED technology have enabled several cities to safely light their streets and save energy without disrupting the nighttime environment. Saving the Dark explores the need to preserve dark night skies and what we can do to combat light pollution.
Immediately after the film presentation, park staff and local astronomers from the Crystal Coast Stargazers (a NASA Night Sky Network astronomy club) will host a Star Party on the visitor center grounds that will offer curious participants the chance to witness the moon, and various other astronomical objects above the Southern Outer Banks through the lens of a telescope.
This event is kid-friendly, but we kindly request no pets. Stargazing is weather dependent. The film will be shown rain or shine. Please monitor the weather and/or call the Harkers Island Visitor Center (252-728-2250) before 5:00 P.M. (EDT) to confirm event status.
Make the most of the night by coming prepared. Check the weather and dress accordingly. Also, bring your lawn chairs or blankets, 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
Last updated: June 11, 2022