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Looking Up: Star Party, a Unique Stargazing Event
Wilmington, N.C. – Join Cape Fear Museum, Carolina Beach State Park and other community partners for a fun-filled evening of stargazing and astronomy-themed activities on Friday, April 15, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Carolina Beach State Park (1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach).
This year’s Statewide Star Party theme is “Finding Your Way in the Night Sky”. The Statewide Star Party is part of the 2016 North Carolina Science Festival. Be part of an event that is happening statewide! And, bring a flashlight!
At this FREE event, visitors can:
- Go on a laser-guided tour of the stars and planets.
- Get up close views of the Moon, stars, planets and more using a variety of telescopes.
- Bring your own viewing equipment and locate celestial objects.
- Experience a planetarium show for a fun orientation to the night skies.
- Construct your own star clock and learn how to tell time using the stars.
- Visit the “out of this world” technology center and discover cool astronomy apps for your mobile devices.
- Use simple props to understand how the eye works and why we see what we see through telescopes.
- Create your own constellation and moon figure, measure the sky and discover your very own exoplanet.
- Cuddle up with loved ones and listen to star-themed stories at the Stellar Story Corner.
- Explore creatures of the night and discover their nocturnal secrets.
- Enter raffles to win prizes and passes to local attractions.
Star Party community partners include:
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and Cape Fear Museum Associates
- Carolina Beach State Park and Friends of Carolina Beach State Park
- Cape Fear Astronomical Society
- The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- New Hanover County Library
- UNC Wilmington Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography
- UNC Wilmington Women In Science & Engineering (WISE)
- Wilmington Trolley Company
Star Party will happen rain or shine. However, some activities are weather dependent. In the event of cloudy/overcast skies, telescope viewings and laser-guided constellation tours will be cancelled. In the event of rain, some activity stations will move inside the park’s visitor’s center, however, space and parking will be limited. Check www.capefearmuseum.com/programs/starparty/ for weather and event updates right up until the event begins.
Event parking is available at the marina, located at the back of the park. Complimentary shuttle service is generously provided by the Wilmington Trolley Company.
The NC Science Festival’s fourth annual Statewide Star Party is made possible through the support of the NC Space Grant. Participating organizations and institutions across the state will be hosting sky-watching parties to help people discover the wonders of their night skies.
