News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore's August Astronomy Night Offers Starlight Cruise and Stargazing

Date: July 29, 2022
Contact: B.G. Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – – Back by popular demand, Cape Lookout National Seashore (a certified International Dark Sky Park), in partnership with the Crystal Coast Stargazers, and Island Express Ferry Service welcomes night sky enthusiasts to Astronomy Night on Saturday, August 27 at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, for a starlight cruise, along with stargazing on the visitor center grounds.

Island Express Ferry Service (the park’s authorized passenger ferry service concessionaire) will offer visitors the chance to experience the exceptional quality of the night skies and the nighttime scene around the Cape Lookout Lighthouse area. Matthew Bruce, a NASA Solar System Ambassador will provide a laser pointed tour describing the celestial objects of the night sky from the beach. The ferry will depart Harkers Island Visitor Center at 8:00 P.M. (EDT) and return from the lighthouse dock at 10:00 P.M. (EDT).

Space on the cruise is limited and reservations are required. The program is free; the ferry is $27 for adults & $17 for children (11 and under).

Additionally, 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. 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