COUDERSPORT — On Aug. 3, Cherry Springs State Park will offer three programs: Around the World in 80 Minutes, Nightscapes Photography Workshop and a Free Night Sky Tour.
The Around the World in 80 Minutes tour is being offered at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 3 for the first 16 people who preregister and prepay. This small group experience with the North Star Outdoor Guides’ Dark Sky Telescope Tour ensures maximum telescope time and a more individualized program. The fee is $20.
Also, the first 10 people who preregister will be accepted for the three-hour Nightscapes Photography Workshop being given by Curt Weinhold at 8:45 p.m. Aug. 3 at the park. Participants will learn how to photograph the starry night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, and foreground material using their own DSLR camera and lenses. View samples of Weinhold’s work at http://pbase.com/cwphoto. The fee is $60.
From 9 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 3 in the park’s Night Sky Viewing Area, visitors can experience the splendor of the night sky. Park staff will give a laser-guided tour of the constellations and recount the legends and myths surrounding them. Afterwards, take an up close look at celestial objects through park telescopes. Preregistration is required to attend this free program.
To preregister online for the free Night Sky Tour, Around the World in 80 Minutes Tour or the Nightscapes Photography Workshop, or to get details about any of the above events, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park. If there is a problem with registering online or for information about other programs offered at the park, call 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
The park is located at 4639 Cherry Springs Road and is 12 miles from U.S. Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. All stargazing and other programs will be canceled if it rains or thunders.
Anyone may observe the night sky at Cherry Springs on his or her own without attending a stargazing program. All visitors should arrive before dark. Search for the Clear Sky Chart online for 48-hour forecasts about viewing conditions.
