Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 10-12

The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 10-12.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 10 and 11 and a star party each night.

"The astronomy festival takes place around the Sunset Bay management unit, with most activities centered at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres, and the event has grown in popularity over the years. It's a fun way to experience the park at night and enjoy stargazing along the coast. This year we have an incredible team of volunteers and some very impressive telescopes, so we're excited to welcome visitors-and keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies!" said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Our Star, The Sun solar viewing @ Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email [email protected] to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: How We Find Our Way in the Dark @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)

Friday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing @ Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 4 p.m.: Earth: An Ocean Planet (guided hike) @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 5 to 6:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email [email protected] to sign up.
• 7:30: Imagining Other Worlds evening program @ Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)

Saturday Activities:

• 2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 4 p.m.: How to Talk to Aliens - Even if You're Shy @ Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Exploring the Universe evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes @ Shore Acres Garden
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park at all parking lots in the Sunset Bay Management Unity, including Sunset Bay Day-use areas and Shore Acres Day-use areas.)