Night Sky Tour in the National Seashore
Friday, Aug. 11th

When planning night sky tours, we watch the changeable coastal weather closely to give you the best celestial safari. The star gazing forecast is ideal tonight and it’s prime time for the Perseid Meteor Shower. We hope you can join us in the National Seashore for optimal viewing.

Tonight’s tour of the Cape Cod summer sky will begin with a brief talk on the history of the constellations, some basic astronomy facts, and how to navigate the night sky using a sky map which we’ll provide.

As twilight fades, overhead the bright stars of the Summer Triangle emerge: Vega, Altair, and Deneb.  As the sky darkens and fainter stars begin to appear, the shape and structure of these stars’ constellations become apparent, too: Lyra the Lyre, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila the Eagle. During our tour we will view and learn to recognize these and other constellations such as Scorpius, Sagittarius, Hercules, and others.  Finally, as the night sky darkens even more, overhead the bright summer Milky Way will stretch from north to south, horizon to horizon.

As a celestial bonus we are currently in the middle of the Perseid Meteor Shower.  Although the shower peaks tomorrow, it lasts for several days either side of that time, and should see a number of meteors. 

Please bring binoculars and a flashlight if you have them. We’ll provide a sky map and red cellophane with elastics to cover your flashlight (this helps preserve night vision).

This event is $10.00 per person and is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Space is limited to 35 so advance reservation is required.

Driving directions will be included in your confirmation email.

This is a popular event and space is limited, so if it fills up, stay tuned to your HCT eNews for future Night Sky Tours.

Images courtesy of Michael Payne and public domain.