Event
Star Party
Fee:
Free. All programs are free with a valid park pass!Location:
Meet rangers and astronomers at the Dune Climb parking lot.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Join park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) at the Dune Climb parking lot Saturday, June 15, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., for the first official Star Party of the 2024 season. Rangers will provide information on preserving dark skies, and GTAS will have telescopes set up for visitors to enjoy. Highlights for viewing during the Star Party will include the Moon, which will be in its waxing gibbous phase. Some very prominent craters will be visible near the Moon's terminator (the sunrise line on the Moon where the shadows are long). The multiple star system of Mizar and Alcor in the Big Dipper's handle will also be featured.
When arriving at the Dune Climb for a Star Party, please park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109. Volunteers will be assisting with parking. Be sure to stop by the National Lakeshore’s Bear Force One van in front of the Dune Climb for more information and handouts. We recommend bringing a flashlight (with a redlight setting or filter to prevent disrupting night vision, if possible) for the walk back to your car and bug spray. You are welcome to bring your own binoculars, beach chairs, and blankets for a more comfortable experience, and water is always recommended for National Park Service (NPS) programs. For more information about the GTAS, go to http://www.gtastro.org/.
Programs will be cancelled if the sky is not visible due to weather conditions. The decision to cancel is usually made two hours in advance. Please call 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, for a voicemail message with the decision.