Saturday, June 8
DARK SKY SERIES: STARWATCH
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 8 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for an evening with the stars at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, a designated International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. We’ll meet at the Activity Center for a presentation, then proceed outside where volunteers will have telescopes set up to view the stars, planets, and more! Weather-permitting, the program will go until midnight, but you may leave when you wish. You may wish to bring insect repellent and something to drink, as well as a lawn chair or picnic blanket for star gazing after the presentation. FREE. All Ages. Children must be accompanied by adults. No cloud date. Call (217) 351-2567 for weather updates. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or [email protected].
DARK SKY SERIES: THE LIVES AND DEATHS OF STARS
Friday, August 2
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 8 p.m.- 11 p.m.
The stars, seemingly eternal in their twinkling presence in the night sky, appear to be our calm and constant companions. However, their existence is far from tranquil--stars are born, live, and die in a cycle of chaos and cataclysm. In this presentation, Dr. Gautham Narayan from the Department of Astronomy at UIUC will discuss the life cycle of a star and the ways in which this cycle shapes everything we see in our universe. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to peer through telescopes at various nebulae, galaxies, and planets. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217)896-2455 or [email protected].
Saturday, August 31
DARK SKY SERIES: STARWATCH
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 7 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for an evening with the stars at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, a designated International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. We’ll meet at the Activity Center for a presentation, then proceed outside where volunteers will have telescopes set up to view the stars, planets, and more! Weather-permitting, the program will go until midnight, but you may leave when you wish. You may wish to bring insect repellent and something to drink, as well as a lawn chair or picnic blanket for star gazing after the presentation. FREE. All Ages. Children must be accompanied by adults. No cloud date. Call (217) 351-2567 for weather updates. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or [email protected].
In the event of inclement weather/overcast skies, cancellation notices will be posted at least two hours before the program on the William M. Staerkel Planetarium’s (217) 351-2567 phone line and on CCFPD & Homer Lake Interpretive Center Facebook pages.