News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore’s July Astronomy Night to Showcase Webb Telescope Images

Date: June 24, 2022
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, July 15 at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, at 8:00 P.M. (EDT).  

Join us in the Harkers Island Visitor Center Theater as NASA Solar System Ambassador, Matthew Bruce, will provide a 45-minute presentation on the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) that NASA launched in December (2021). Webb is the largest, most powerful, and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space. The first images captured by the telescope will be available for public interest.    

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 on the visitor center grounds that will offer curious participants the chance to witness the moon, and 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. Solar System Ambassador programs are 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