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Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area

Submitted by rasc@johnginder.com on 9 May 2019

Photo by Tim Trentadue
  
What's better than viewing the night sky the way it's meant to be seen? Seeing it with dozens of other stargazers!

The Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area is a great place to see the stars anytime... but if you want to learn a little more about the night sky overhead, we host a number of events between April and September.

Astrophotographers Assemble is an informal evening where night sky photographers from novice to expert are encouraged to come out and photograph the stars overhead. It’s an excellent opportunity to receive tips and hints from those in attendance on how to take better night sky photos. Events run monthly on moonless (or nearly moonless) Saturday nights from dusk until dawn, or until participants are too tired do continue. The full 2019 schedule is as follows:

· April 27th
· May 25th
· June 22nd
· July 27th
· August 24th
· September 21st

In addition to the monthly astrophotography series, the very popular Laser-Guided Stargazing Tours return for another season beginning May 3rd & 4th. Participants receive a fun and informative laser-guided tour of the night sky by Joe Gilker from Dark Arts Astrophotography.

“Laser-guided stargazing events typically last about 90 minutes starting at astronomical twilight, or about an hour after sunset,” says Joe. “They start with a 45 minute laser-guided tour of the night sky where I point out different stars, constellations, or any other object of interest in the night sky. The view of the sky is always changing so the topics covered are different every month.”

Visitors will then have the opportunity to take a look through a number of telescopes focused on various celestial objects, depending on the time of year. These events are a great way for novice stargazers to get acquainted with the night sky.

The full monthly Laser Guided Tour schedule is as follows:

· May 3rd & 4th - Before the Bugs Stargazing Tour
· May 31st & June 1st - Springtime Stargazing Tour
· June 28th & 29th - Summer’s Here Stargazing Tour
· August 2nd & 3rd - The Milky Way Stargazing Tour - Episode 1
· August 30th & 31st - The Milky Way Stargazing Tour - Episode 2
· September 27th & 28th - Autumn’s Arrival Stargazing Tour
 
All public Dark Sky Viewing Area events are free to attend. Please note that stargazing sessions are very weather dependent and will take place ONLY IF THE SKY IS MOSTLY FREE OF CLOUDS. You're encouraged to visit www.DarkSkyViewing.com  or www.Facebook.com/darkskyviewing for the most up-to-date information about viewing conditions and other event details.

About the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area:

Located 37 km north of Napanee near the Sheffield Conservation Area, the L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area (7980 County Road 41) is the most southerly point in Ontario that offers a pristine a night sky experience very similar to what was available more than 100 years ago. The site includes a large concrete pad for camera or telescope setup, or placement of lawn chairs for general stargazing. While the L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area is ideal for both professional and amateur astronomers and astrophotographers, it is designed for anyone wishing to observe the natural wonder of the stars. For more information, please visit www.DarkSkyViewing.com.

Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Lennox & Addington County and Joe Gilker
Location: 7980 County Road 41, Erinsville, ON

https://lennox-addington.on.ca/explore/dark-sky-viewing-area/events