Send off the summer in spectacular fashion on Manitoulin Island with Gordon’s Park’s Aurora Borealis Weekend this September 22-25! As the nights grow longer, chances of being able to see the flickering dance of the Northern Lights grow, and there’s no better place to watch for them than at Gordon’s Park. Observe from the park’s RASC designated Dark Sky Preserve, which boasts some of the darkest skies in Ontario with an SQM reading of 21.45 out of 22.00, no light pollution and 360 degree horizon-to-horizon viewing.
This incredible weekend event begins on Friday, September 22, with a Welcome Wine and Cheese reception to get into the spirit of the event and get to know the hosts and other participants. Then, join a park interpreter in the Dark Sky Preserve for a public astronomy session with a laser sky tour. Learn about the stars, planets, constellations, and of course, the Northern Lights, as well as how to read a planisphere and tricks for viewing with the naked eye. Follow a high powered laser pointer that reaches right up to the sky to accurately find constellations, and take a look through the park’s 8” Dobsonian telescope at a variety of space objects, like Saturn, double stars, and star clusters.
Saturday, September 23, enjoy the luxury of sleeping in and wake up to the birds chirping in the light of the new day. Then, take the opportunity to enjoy the park amenities, such as our Nature Centre, solar-heated pool or hiking trails. For the adventurous who want to roam the island, the park provides “Rita’s Picks,” a map of the island that denotes attractions and points of interest around the different communities. In the evening, enjoy a delicious potluck supper, followed by another night of stargazing in the Dark Sky Preserve, as well as another spectacular laser guided sky tour.
Sunday, September 24, take the day to enjoy what interests you and to check out the fall colours. Further explore the park, unwind with some mini-putt that winds its way through a natural cedar grove, or join in a social game of horseshoes or badminton before gathering one last time in the Dark Sky Preserve for a Public Astronomy night and sensational stargazing.
Not looking to spend the night, but want to enjoy some spectacular stargazing? The evening public astronomy sessions on September 22, 23 and 24 are open to the public!
Aurora Borealis Weekend registration includes all events of the day and camping in the Dark Sky Preserve. Also available are optional accommodations such as the Bed and Breakfast, tipis, camping cabins, Stargazing Cabin, and Milky Way Bunkie.
Please call 705-859-2470 to register. For more information, e-mail rita@gordonspark.com or visit the website at www.gordonspark.com. Find the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gordonspark.
