Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has announced upcoming dates for its popular Star Parties, the National Lakeshore’s premier night sky events. Park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) will be on hand Saturday, Sept.10, 8pm to 10pm, at the Dune Climb parking lot for the next Star Party of the 2022 series. Highlights will include the harvest moon, the planets Saturn and Jupiter, as well as star clusters, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects later in the evening. Next up, a dark sky (new moon) viewing on Saturday, Sept. 24, and another full moon viewing on Saturday, Oct. 9. All those events will take place at the Dune Climb from 8 to 10pm.

Drop-in telescope stations will be available at visitors’ convenience. The ranger greeter table in the parking lot at the Dune Climb will offer information about the stations and their locations. Patrons are asked to park in the row furthest from the dunes with headlights facing M-109. Volunteers will be assisting with parking.

For all evening astronomy events, bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car and insect repellent if desired. You are welcome to bring your own binoculars, beach chairs, and blankets for a more comfortable experience, and water is always recommended for NPS programs. Park rangers and GTAS staff will wear red glow pins or bracelets at the events. Click here for more information about the GTAS.

All sky programs offered by the National Lakeshore are free. Participants need only display or purchase their park entrance pass. 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. Call (231) 326-4700, ext. 5005, for a voicemail message with the decision. 

Starry night skies and natural darkness are important components of some of the places the NPS protects. National parks hold some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and provide an excellent opportunity to experience this endangered resource.

Photo courtesy National Park Service