News Release
Crystal Coast Stargazers
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Contact: Nate Toering, 252-838-8909
Contact: Vermadel Nienstedt, 803-608-9713
HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Mark your calendars now! The Crystal Coast Star Party 2023 is planned for April 21 & 22, 2023. For the second year, Crystal Coast Stargazers, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center are co-hosting a star party during International Dark Sky Week!
The event includes starlight cruises, NASA speakers, public telescope stargazing, and the beautiful dark skies of a certified International Dark Sky Park – Cape Lookout National Seashore!
In addition to the popular starlight cruises, this year there will be speakers each afternoon at 4:00. We are excited to welcome Dr. Anthony Norris from the NASA/JPL Exoplanet Watch Group as our Friday afternoon Speaker. Saturday afternoon’s speaker will be Dr. Dominic Benford, NASA Program Scientist for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope project. The speakers’ presentations will be in the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Education Hall.
In partnership with Fort Macon State Park, NC SciFest Star Party activities will be offered for kids on Saturday afternoon at 1:00. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Night Sky. State Ranger, Paul Terry, and members of the Crystal Coast Stargazers will be coordinating these activities inside and outside of the Harkers Island Visitor Center.
All events are free except for the starlight cruises. Starlight cruises are by reservation only. Ferry passengers will disembark from the starlight cruise for a laser-pointed tour of the night sky by a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
For reservations call: (252) 728-7433
Cruise Tickets: Adults: $27.00 / Children (3-11): $17.00
Note: Starlight cruises are weather dependent. In the event of inclement weather, there will be astronomy programs/presentations indoors.
Whether you’re an astronomer setting up a telescope or simply coming to enjoy the night sky, we request that all guests please register in advance. Visit the website for the complete schedule and to register: https://ccgazers.com/crystal-coast-star-party-2023
Event sponsors include the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, and Island Express Ferry Service.
Event Contacts:
Cape Lookout National Seashore – Nate Toering, 252-838-8909
Crystal Coast Stargazers – Vermadel Nienstedt, 803-608-9713
CCSP About Our Speakers.pdf – Additional information on the guest speakers.
Last updated: March 15, 2023