NPS - National Park Service

08/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2024 12:44

Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Cape Cod Astronomical Society for Third Annual Dark Sky Festival on September 6th

News Release Date:
August 26, 2024

Contact:Joseph Norvilas, (508) 255-3421 x.0306

WELLFLEET, Mass. - Cape Cod National Seashore welcomes the Cape Cod Astronomical Society as cohost of the third annual Dark Sky Festival in the park. This year's theme, "Stanzas Under the Stars" will explore the importance of dark skies in the National Seashore, while also showcasing how the night sky has inspired many works of poetry over the years. This Dark Sky Festival is a great opportunity to learn about the night sky and is appropriate for all ages. On Friday and Saturday, September 6 & 7, there will be family-oriented activities at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and on Friday, September 6 an evening star party at the Marconi Beach Parking Lot. This will be our third night sky celebration with viewing opportunities facilitated by passionate physicists, astronomers, photographers, and rangers. Admission is free and open to the public.

The activities at the Salt Pond Visitor Center run from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and provide opportunities for exploring the scope of our galaxy, storytelling, and constellation crafts.

The Star Party will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Marconi Beach Parking Lot in Wellfleet, Mass. The members of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society will join rangers from the National Seashore to explore the night sky through telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and with the naked eye. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date will be Saturday, September 7th. Please check the park's website www.nps.gov/caco and Facebook page @CapeCodNPS for program changes.

IF YOU GO TO THE STAR PARTY: Dim your vehicle lights while entering the Marconi Beach Parking Lot. Follow signage and ranger instructions for parking spots. Bring a flashlight and meet a ranger at the orientation table to receive red cellophane to protect participants' night vision.

This free event is made possible by the support of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society.