Crystal Coast Star Party

Mark your calendars for the annual Crystal Coast Star Party! Come join us on the Crystal Coast as we celebrate International Dark Sky Week. Crystal Coast Stargazers, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center are co-hosting this exciting event.

From starlight cruises and NASA speakers to activities for kids and the beautiful dark skies of Cape Lookout National Seashore, there’s something for everyone. 

Star Party Schedule

Friday, April 25

7:30 PM       Starlight Cruise to Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Departs from Island Express Ferry Dock at Cape Lookout Visitor Center
Call for reservations 252-728-7433, Cost $31/Adults, $20/Children
Park Ranger Sabrina Godin conducting laser tour of the night sky on the beach near the lighthouse.

8:30 PM       Public Stargazing
Stargazing field around the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center
Crystal Coast Stargazers’ telescopes set up for public stargazing with NASA Solar System Ambassadors on site. Large area behind the Visitor Center for astronomers to set up their telescopes. Area set aside for astrophotographers.

Saturday, April 26

1:00-3:00 PM    NC SciFest Kids’ Astronomy Activities
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Education Hall
Activities for all ages including Junior Ranger activities with Cape Lookout Ranger Sabrina Godin.

 1:00 – 3:00  Solar viewing with NASA Solar System Ambassador Jimmy Fulks
Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center

4:00 – 5:30 PM – NASA Speaker: Nagin Cox, Mission Lead on  the Mars Perseverance Rover and the Curiosity Rover
Dare Mighty Things: Mars Rovers Paving the Way
Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Education Hall

7:30 PM       Starlight Cruise to Cape Lookout Lighthouse
Departs from Island Express Ferry Dock at Cape Lookout Visitor Center.
Call for reservations 252-728-7433, Cost $31/Adults, $20/Children
Park Ranger Sabrina Godin conducting laser tour of the night sky on the beach near the lighthouse.

8:30 PM       Public Stargazing
Stargazing field around the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center.
Crystal Coast Stargazers’ telescopes set up for public stargazing with NASA Solar System Ambassadors on site. Large area behind the Visitor Center for astronomers to set up their telescopes. Area set aside for astrophotographers.

Event dates and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit the official event website for more information.