“Once in a Blue Moon” Night Sky Event at the Obed on July 31

Date: July 17, 2015
Contact: Veronica Greear, 423-346-6294
Contact: Chris Derman, 423-569-9778

In celebration of the National Park Service's upcoming centennial in 2016, the Obed Wild and Scenic River will include a rare event on Friday, July 31, that will feature the blue moon gracing the night sky and giving visitors their last chance to observe this celestial phenomenon for nearly three years. The evening program will begin at the Lilly Bluff Overlook parking area at 7:30 p.m. (ET) and will conclude by 10:00 p.m. From there the program will progress to the Lilly Overlook where guest speaker Owen Hoffman will highlight the unique characteristics of the full moon as well as other prominent galaxies and planets. There will be a 10' Dobsonian/Newtonian telescope on site that will be available for enhanced viewing of the night sky, as well as binoculars that will be provided.Astronomers will be there to navigate you through the stars and planets and to answer any questions.

All ages are welcome to attend this free event, but children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended, as well as a chair or blanket for comfortable seating, and a flashlight for this evening program. Please contact the park at [phone] for further details and information.