Tumacácori National Historical Park in Arizona is one of more than a few parks with night sky programs/ARC Photography

One way to escape summer crowds in the parks is to head out for some night sky viewing while many other visitors head to their rooms. A number of parks have night sky programs on their calendar, and there likely are others we haven't heard about.

Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

After more than a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce the return of Astronomy Night on Friday, July 16, at the Harkers Island Visitor Center, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

NASA Solar System Ambassador, Lisa Pelletier-Harmon, will present a 45-minute presentation in the Harkers Island Theater entitled, Celestial Navigation Along the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The program will show visitors the basics of maritime navigation using the night sky. Join the park staff as they learn how to star hop across the sky without the use of modern aids to navigation.

Immediately after the presentation, park staff and local astronomers from the Crystal Coast Stargazers (a NASA Night Sky Network astronomy club) will host a Star Party (weather dependent) in front of the visitor center. The Star Party will offer curious participants the chance to witness the moon, and other sky-bound objects above the Southern Outer Banks through the lens of a telescope.

Make the most of the night by coming prepared. Check the weather and dress accordingly. Also, bring water, snacks, bug repellent, and flashlight with a red filter that helps in maintaining everyone’s night vision. Folks may also consider bringing their own telescopes to learn how to get the most out of their own telescopic equipment from members of the Stargazers club.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a stargazing event at Alley Spring on July 17 from 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m. This free event will be held in front of Storys Creek School.

A large telescope will be set up for viewing features on the moon while a park ranger conducts a program about the night sky and points out constellations. Few places remain where true darkness exists without the hindrance of light pollution. Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides some excellent locations to view the night sky without the intrusion of artificial light.

Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and flashlight with a red lens and are welcome to bring their own telescope. If cloud cover obstructs the view of the sky this event may be cancelled. Cancellation will be announced on the park’s Facebook page. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence, Missouri, on State Route 106. 

Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona

Join friends, family, and neighbors at Tumacácori National Historical Park to celebrate the magnificent night skies of southern Arizona on Friday, July 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tumacácori is a designated International Dark Sky Park due to its night sky quality, exceptional nocturnal habitat, and cultural heritage. The night sky provides a unique opportunity to interpret what life may have been like for those who called Tumacácori home long ago.  

At the center of this event, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the park will also offer a night photography workshop in collaboration with Parks in Focus. Parks in Focus provides opportunities for middle school youth from underserved communities to explore and learn about nature through photography, outdoor education, and creative expression.

At this workshop, beginner and amateur photographers will learn how to use the dark sky to their advantage. Explore camera settings for low light situations, light writing, and other long exposure techniques. Shooting at night may seem daunting at first, but it also offers unique photographic opportunities and benefits. 

Participants should bring their own cameras and tripods, although some equipment may be available for loan. Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance. Call the visitor center at (520) 377-5060.  

Admission to the park is $10 per adult, free for federal pass holders and children under age 16. There is no additional fee for the photography workshop. 

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

You have time to plan for this park's annual Astronomy Festival, which is slated for September 9-11.

This year's festival events will include guest speakers, photo workshops, tours of the Great Basin Observatory (GBO), and other fun programs for families. The park is excited to welcome back amateur astronomer volunteers and their telescopes for an out of this world star party each night of the festival.

Each night the telescope viewing area will be open to the public from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. During this time amateur astronomer will have telescopes set up for the public to view the stars. Follow the red lights from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to walk down to the viewing area. For accessibility needs contact a ranger at a parking lot.

For more details for this event, check out this page.