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PLEASANT HILL — Explore the night sky at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. The non-profit organization is presenting Stargazing Evenings through October.
Attendees can witness one of the year’s best meteor showers and search the skies for constellations and galaxies.
“Viewing the pristine sky over Shaker Village is a magical experience,” said Roberta Burnes, astronomy educator. “This is a supreme spot, suited for some of the best stargazing around.”
With nearly 3,000 acres, and minimal lighting on the grounds, Shaker Village offers the perfect opportunity for guests to get a prime look at the glittering night sky overhead.
Burnes will educate participants on how to navigate the summer sky. She will locate stars of the Big Dipper, instruct the class on how to see Mercury, Mars and Saturn and will point out the rings of Saturn.
“Far from the city lights, stars you rarely see are easily visible at Shaker Village,” said Burnes.
All Stargazing Evenings events are free. Each begins with an “Introduction to Stargazing” at the West Family Amphitheatre at 9 p.m. Stargazing takes place at 9:30 p.m. Follow signage from the Shaker Village entrance to the Meeting Area C parking lot.
Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and dress warmly for cool evening weather. Telescopes are optional, but not required.
Stargazing Evenings at Shaker Village
Stargazing — Midnight Perseid Meteor Shower
Aug. 11 / free
9–9:30 p.m./Introduction to Stargazing/West Family Preserve Shop
9:30 p.m. - ??? /Stargazing at the West Family Amphitheatre
One of the year’s best meteor showers peaks tonight! Join Astronomy educator Roberta Burnes for an introduction to meteors and the annual Perseid meteor shower. As the sky darkens, we’ll settle back for a relaxing evening of stargazing and meteor watching. The later you look, the more you’ll see; the Perseids peak in the wee hours of morning with rates of up to 100 per hour.
Dress warmly for cool evening weather, bring binoculars if you have them, and bring sleeping bag, blankets, and/or a lawn chair for comfortable viewing. The Preserve Shop is the small maroon building located in between the West Family Wash House and West Family Sisters’ Shop.
Stargazing — Stories
and Stargazing
Sept. 1 / free
