Staff report

Free stargazing programs will be offered on Saturday and Oct. 21 at Cherry Springs State Park (4639 Cherry Springs Road in Coudersport).

All visitors who plan to view the night skies are asked to arrive at the park before dark. People may observe on their own and do not have to attend a stargazing program.

Cassiopeia the Queen

Go on a laser-guided sky tour by park staff to learn about Cassiopeia the Queen and other legends and myths surrounding the constellations at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Night Sky Viewing Area. Park telescopes will be available for an up-close look during this free two-hour program. Preregistration is required for those who want to view celestial objects through the park's telescopes. Those who want to attend the laser-guided tour do not have to preregister.

Night sky tour

The free New Moon Splendor program will be held from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Oct. 21. The public will experience the wonder of the night sky and Milky Way to learn about several constellations and the myths and legends surrounding them during a laser-guided tour by park staff. Telescopes will be available to those who preregister to take a closer look at celestial objects, such as stars, planets, nebulae and star clusters. Those who want to attend the laser-guided tour but not look through the telescopes do not have to preregister.

Nightscapes photography

To attend the nightscapes photography workshop on from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 21, preregister before 3 p.m. Oct. 19. It is limited to 10 people.

Under the direction of professional photographer Curt Weinhold, participants will learn how to use their own DSLR cameras and lenses to photograph the night sky and foreground material. The $55 per person fee (check or cash only) is due upon arrival. Participants are asked to meet at the park’s visitor parking lot by the kiosk on the east side of Route 44. For more information, email cwphoto@zitomedia.net.

Preregistration and viewing conditions

Online preregistration for stargazing programs is required to use park telescopes: events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.

If it rains, thunders or is cloudy, all programs will be canceled. Check www.cleardarksky.com/c/ChrSprPkPAkey.html for 48-hour cloud cover forecasts and viewing conditions. To see if a program will be held, call 814-435-1037 and select option 5.

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