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Go on a star party this year at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Posted at 11:22 AM, Apr 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-24 11:22:56-04

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will hold "Star Parties" throughout the year so visitors can have close up and panoramic views of the night sky.

The parties will run from April through October. Park rangers and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society will help you unravel some of the mysteries of the night sky and discover more about the daytime sky.

All sky programs are free. Participants only need to purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass displayed in their vehicle to join in the fun.

Programs will be canceled if the sky is not visible due to weather conditions.

For all star parties, participants are welcome to bring their own binoculars, beach chairs, blankets and flashlights for a more comfortable experience.

During the parties, there will be prospects for star-gazing, meteor showers, solar viewing, storytelling and more.

View the full schedule of events below:

May 25 (9-11 p.m.) Dune Climb

Highlights: Binary stars, brighter deep sky objects late (twilight)

June 8 (4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.) Dune Climb

Highlights: Solar viewing afternoon, Moon, Mars, Jupiter late (twilight)

July 6 (4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.) Dune Climb

Highlights: Solar viewing afternoon, twilight, Moon, Jupiter, Saturn later

August 10 (4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.) Thoreson Farm

Highlights: Solar viewing afternoon, Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, plus some brighter deep sky objects

August 31 (4-6 p.m. . and 9-11 p.m. Dune Climb

Highlights: Solar viewing afternoon, Jupiter, Saturn, summer Milky Way

September 21 (9-11 p.m.) Dune Climb

Highlights: Jupiter, Saturn, summer Milky Way

October 21 (8-10 p.m.) Dune Climb

Highlights: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 49th Anniversary Star Party. Saturn early, dark, Pleiades, northern Milky Way

For more information, click here.