Harkers Island, NC (April 21-22, 2023) — Mark your calendars now – the Crystal Coast Star Party 2023 is planned for April 21 & 22, 2023! For the second year, Crystal Coast Stargazers, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center are co-hosting a star party during International Dark Sky Week! The event includes starlight cruises to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, NASA speakers, public telescope stargazing and the beautiful dark skies of a certified International Dark Sky Park – Cape Lookout National Seashore!
In addition to the popular starlight cruises, this year there will be speakers each afternoon at 4:00. We are excited to welcome Dr. Anthony Norris from the NASA/JPL Exoplanet Watch Group as our Friday afternoon speaker. Saturday afternoon’s speaker will be Dr. Dominic Benford, NASA Program Scientist for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope project.
In partnership with Fort Macon State Park, NC SciFest Star Party activities will be offered for kids on Saturday afternoon at 1:00. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Night Sky.
All events are free except for the starlight cruises. Starlight cruises are by reservation only. Ferry passengers will disembark near the lighthouse for a laser pointed tour of the night sky by a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
For reservations call—252-728-7433
Cruise tickets: Adults—$27.00, children (3-11) — $17.00.
Whether you’re an astronomer setting up a telescope or simply coming to enjoy the night sky, we request that all guests please register in advance. Visit the website for the complete schedule and to register: https://ccgazers.com/crystal-coast-star-party-2023/
Event sponsors include Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Coast Tourism Authority and Island Express Ferry Service.
