Clear skies permitting, we’ll be viewing a selection of objects through a large, stationary telescope (and one that has a place in America’s space history as part of the program to map the moon’s potential landing sites for the Apollo moon missions). We will be focusing on stars and searching for the stripe that marks the path of the Milky Way across the summer sky. We’ll also seek out things like planets, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! In honor of America 250, we’ll be hearing about the important contributions made through our history by astronomers in Arizona. Bring your sky-related questions! Family friendly program.
Please note: Due to the increased chance of nighttime cloud cover during monsoon season, if skies are too cloudy to permit stargazing, we will instead head out for an evening walk on the Honeymoon Cove trail and look for nocturnal critters like scorpions, tarantulas, and various birds, reptiles and mammals. Please bring a flashlight and water, and please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes in case we have to change programs.
Restrooms and water are available at the meeting location. NO pets, please.
MEETING LOCATION: Desert Outdoor Center
Limit 50 participants. To register, please email Ranger Kevin at Kevin.Thorson@maricopa.gov with your name, phone number and number of people attending.
(exact change preferred), an annual pass, or a same-day receipt from any of our parks. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 7/2.
Outdoor summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events. The Maricopa County Parks website (www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s current status. Please check the program listing online before coming to the Desert Outdoor Center.