COUDERSPORT—Cherry Springs State Park is offering a number of programs this summer, both virtually and in-person.
A free Know before you go to Cherry Springs virtual program is being held at noon on five dates from May to July. The 30-minute program will be held May 27, June 3, June 9, June 30 and July 6. and is designed to help first-time and novice stargazers who are planning to visit the park. Park professionals will share the best way to plan an evening of stargazing, including what to bring and how to observe objects in the night sky, such as stars, constellations, planets, the moon, artificial satellites such as the space station, meteors, aurora and even the Milky Way.
How to choose and use a telescope will be offered virtually on May 27. The program will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and is intended for those who have a telescope but are having a problem with it or need help to use it as well as for those who are Interested in purchasing a telescope and want to find out what to look for and what to avoid. During this brief program, participants will learn the basic fundamentals of using telescopes and common missteps. There will be time for questions and those who participate can also schedule a one-on-one virtual follow-up session. The presenter has more than 20 years of experience in using different types of telescopes for public presentations and offers this workshop periodically to help make the night sky more accessible to individuals and families. While more advanced, this program can be appropriate for children who are attending with an adult.
A small group, in-person telescope tour of the night sky will be offered on five separate dates. Called Around the World in 80 Minutes, the program is scheduled from 9:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on May 28, 29 & 30 and June 4 & 5. The maximum number of people that can participate per program is the first 16 who pre register and prepay. In the event of rain, thunder or overcast skies, one or more of the programs may be cancelled.
Registrants will look at the night sky through the eyes of the ancient Greeks, Chinese, Indians, Native Americans, and others. Featured will be a laser guided tour of various constellations, telescope viewing and a discussion of the dark skies. This dark sky telescope tour ensures maximum telescope time without long waits and a more individualized program. Objects which may be viewed include planets, nebulae, red giants, globular clusters, galaxies, and binary star systems. To complete registration, payment must be made in full. The fee is $20 per person for adults and children six and older. included in the fee is a $3 non-refundable processing fee. Children five and under are free.
A Nightscapes photography in-person workshop is set for 8:30 p.m. June 5. The workshop is limited to 10 people, and pre registration and pre payment are required. The two and a half-hour Nightscapes Photography Workshop will be given by Curt Weinhold and will teach participants how to photograph the starry night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, and foreground material using your own DSLR camera and lenses. View samples of Weinhold’s work at http://pbase.com/cwphoto. There is a $60 fee.
A Stargazing highlights virtual program is set for June 9. Stargazing Highlights of 2021 will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. on June 9 and will include details about the partial solar eclipse that will occur early in the morning on June 10, about meteor showers and other night sky events with tips on how to view them. Only those visible in the Northeastern United States, including this area, will be discussed. This short presentation, complete with visuals of what people of all ages might see in the night sky from their own backyards, will be followed by an open Q&A session.
To register to receive a link to the free virtual programs, including Know Before You Go to Cherry Springs, How to Choose and Use A Telescope and Stargazing Highlights in 2021 and for more details or to register for the two in-person programs Around the World in 80 Minutes and the Nightscapes Photography Workshop, visit https://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 (814) 435-1037 or email Tim Morey at tmorey@pa.gov.
