TEHKUMMAH – Learning about the night sky has never been so fun! Look up and look ahead for the best stargazing experiences of your life with Gordon’s Park Eco Resort’s Stargazing Manitoulin: Introduction to Astronomy from Saturday, July 13 to 16. This weekend is perfect for all who are looking to acquire knowledge about our universe and the many celestial objects that it contains.
With no light pollution and 360 degree horizon-to-horizon viewing, let the star-studded sky take your breath away while you camp on site in the Dark Sky Preserve. Relax at a wine and cheese welcome campfire on Friday, July 13 and get to know the great people that will be your neighbours. During the wine and cheese welcome, Gordon’s Park staff will conduct a workshop that will kick off the weekend with an introduction to astronomy. This workshop will give participants an idea of what they will be learning as well as a layout of all of the events. As the sun sets, revel in the emergence of a great blanket of stars spreading from horizon to horizon in the darkest skies in Ontario and let yourself become enchanted by the vastness of the universe around you.
During the first session, which starts at 9 pm, familiarize yourself with the characters in the great drama of the universe with a Laser Guided Sky Tour. This is a chance for you to build your own guided tour of the night sky that will pair well with the events that we have lined up on Saturday evening. You will learn how to navigate the night sky with a planisphere, as well as having the opportunity to become a star hopping expert! This star party also falls on the July new moon, which means little to no moon glow to steal the spotlight from the stars!
On Saturday evening enjoy a potluck supper where awesome door prizes will be awarded. At 8:30 pm, we begin preparations for our public observing session. Bring the knowledge that you learned the night before so you can become a Gordon’s Park Astronomy Ambassador by leading your very own laser guided tour and sharing the knowledge you have gained. Then, use the remaining time to really practice your laser guided sky tour, as well as our 8” Dobsonian telescope, to identify objects in the night sky.
Sunday is a fantastic day to explore the park. Experience the park’s hiking trails, enjoy unlimited access to our Nature Interpretive Centre, and play some mini-putt or badminton. After a day well spent, join us for our Photographing the Night Sky workshop at 9 pm where you will learn the ins and outs of night sky photography. Let our skilled photographer guide you on your night sky experience. Bring your camera, telescope, or any other equipment you may have. All skill levels are welcomed as this is a learning experience that all can enjoy!
Call 705-859-2470 now to register, email reservations@gordonspark.com for more information or visit the website at www.gordonspark.com. You can also find the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gordonspark.
