Night Sky Tour

Thursday, September 5th, 8:15-9:15 p.m.

Led by volunteer astronomer Michael Payne.

The forecast looks clear and promising for a celestial safari in the National Seashore. Join HCT volunteer astronomer Michael Payne at Marconi Area in Wellfleet at 8:15 p.m. to enjoy some of the best constellations of the entire year.

Tonight’s tour of the Cape Cod late 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.

Once twilight fades, the bright stars of the Summer Triangle emerge: Vega, Altair, and Deneb. As the sky grows darker and fainter stars begin to appear, the shape and structure of constellations become apparent, too: Lyra the Lyre, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila the Eagle. During our tour we will view and learn how to recognize these constellations and others like Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Hercules. At the end of the tour, when darkness falls in earnest, the bright summer Milky Way will become more distinct stretching across the horizons from north to south.

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 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.

To reserve, please check the box below. If you would like to reserve more than one spot, please adjust accordingly from the "Quantity" drop down menu.