Crystal Coast Star Party 2024- May 3 & 4, 2024
For the third year, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Crystal Coast Stargazers, and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center will be hosting a Star Party on beautiful Harkers Island, NC. Cape Lookout National Seashore is an International Dark Sky Park offering excellent stargazing! The two-day event will offer starlight cruises to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, public stargazing on the mainland, technical and informative presentations, NC SciFest activities for kids and plenty of room to set up telescopes.
Friday and Saturday afternoon programs are planned to appeal to the amateur astronomer and the general public. Friday's program is a technical workshop on astrophotography using ASIAIR presented by Dr. Bob Harrison an ASIAIR specialist. There will also be an area set aside on the observing field for astrophotographers.
Saturday’s presenter is NASA Science Engineer, Ray Lundquist. Mr. Lundquist is currently working on the Artemis mission which he will share with us through his topic -- Artemis: Returning to the Moon – Preparing for Mars.
Astronomy activities for kids are scheduled for early Saturday afternoon. Each evening Island Express Ferry will be providing starlight cruises to the lighthouse where passengers will disembark for a laser guided tour of the beautiful skies over Core Sound. When passengers return to the mainland, Crystal Coast Stargazers will have telescopes set up for public stargazing both nights.
Mark your calendars for this great weekend event! All activities are free, except for ferry tickets. Registration is requested to establish seating for our afternoon programs; registration opens January 20. For more information and registration, visit: https://ccgazers.com/crystal-coast-star-party/.
Contacts:
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Nate Toering – Nathaniel_Toering@nps.gov
252-503-8079
Crystal Coast Stargazers
Vermadel Nienstedt – vermadelstarparty@gmail.com
803-608-9713
Island Express Ferry (Ferry Service is actually already taking reservations.)
252-728-7433
Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this destination that is designed for great times along the Crystal Coast shoreline. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is situated in the centrally located beach community of Salter Path, and is a favorite spot for families who want to have a little fun off the sand.