Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope that NASA launched in December during the next Astronomy Night at Cape Lookout National Seashore.
The free, family friendly event at the certified International Dark Sky Park is to start at 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the seashore’s Harkers Island Visitor Center.
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Kicking off the night will be a 45-minute talk with NASA Solar System Ambassador Matthew Bruce on the Webb, which organizers said “is the largest, most powerful, and complex space telescope ever built and launched into space.” The first images captured by the telescope will be available to view.
Immediately after the presentation, park staff and astronomers from the Crystal Coast Stargazers, a NASA Night Sky Network astronomy club, will host a Star Party on the visitor center grounds. Participants will be able to get a close-up view of the moon, and other astronomical objects above the southern Outer Banks using a telescope.
While stargazing is weather-dependent, programs are rain or shine.
Please monitor the weather or call the Harkers Island Visitor Center at 252-728-2250 before 5 p.m. the day of the event to confirm status.
Organizers recommend dressing for the weather. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets, water, snacks, bug repellent, and flashlight with a red filter that helps in maintaining everyone’s night vision. Leave pets at home.
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Folks may also consider bringing their own telescopes to learn how to get the most out of their own telescopic equipment from members of the Stargazers club.
For more information, visit http://go.nps.gov/astronomynight.
