Upcoming (Green) and Past (Red) Scheduled Outreach Events
Our astronomy enthusiasts want to share their knowledge and observing equipment with the community while promoting light pollution (LP) awareness. We will have a few scheduled events (up to 15 between June and October 2025) at different locations within our area of concern. These include state and national park areas hosted by rangers who conduct programs for these parks as well as our nearby observatory (App State's Dark Sky Observatory). We may also hold some programs in more light polluted areas performing "sidewalk astronomy" for observations of the Moon and planets. Our objective for these events is to give people an opportunity to understand the area's potential for achieving International Dark Sky Status (as certified by Dark Sky International) and for people to get their first glimpse at objects and astronomical events never before seen through high quality instruments. We also hope to reach our goal of 850 survey responses by the end of the year which will help people think about the effects of light pollution and to provide us data to bring to local businesses and government. Most importantly we just want to have fun.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE!
Our Next Scheduled Events
Volunteering at App State's DSO
Date / Time February 2026 Time(s) TBD
DSO's February 2026 Open Night (most likely 7 Feb)
See the Dark Sky Observatory's website in our helpful links section for more information.
Mount Jefferson NC Science Festival Star Party
Date / Time April 24th, 2026 Time(s) 7pm to 10pm
We will assist representing Mount Jefferson State Natural Area as a location for outreach for the NC Science Festival's State Wide Star Party. This will be held at the Sunset overlook. Provided clear skies, we should be able to share views of Jupiter and her moons, as well as half full Lunar observations. We may also be able to show some deep sky objects while discussing light pollution.
See link: https://ncsciencefestival.org/starparty/
Upcoming Scheduled Outreach Events
Volunteering at App State's DSO
See the Dark Sky Observatory's website in our helpful links section for more information
DSO's January 2026 Open Night
Date time TBD (see the DSO's website in our useful links section)
Volunteering at New River State Park (221 Access)
Restricted to overnight campers only!
Date / Time TBD
Restricted to overnight campers only. We will have several events to include Solar and Lunar observing before the park closes at 10pm. On dark nights we will restrict participation to overnight campers which may go much later.
Volunteering at Price Picnic Area/Thunderhill Overlook/Osborne Mt. Overlook
Open to everyone!
No scheduled events this year!
Due to limited administrative support at the NPS we are unable to formally advertise for events at these locations. You may catch some of our astronomers out there on clear nights.
Other Events
Open to TBD.
No events scheduled yet (check back here)
We may also hold an event at Mt. Jefferson's Sunset Overlook provided Ranger support, but limit attendance due to parking limitations. We will also be happy to schedule other events at local establishments supporting the initiative as well as "sidewalk astronomy". For a request, please contact us at ashedarksky@gmail.com
Past Outreach Events
Thunderhill Overlook
A last minute unscheduled event 04/16/2025 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
First Event of the Season!
Two of our volunteers were setup along the parkway at the Thunderhill Overlook near Boone, NC for a few hours just to stretch our legs and see if we could get some survey responses. We entertained a few young couples (mostly students) and encouraged them to take our survey for the raffle. It was a fun few hours.
Volunteering at the DSO's April 2025 Open Night
Date / Time April 26th, 2025 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
see the DSO's website in our useful links section
Volunteering at New River State Park 221 Access.
Date / Time May 21st, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM
A small introductory event of only 3 guests.
Volunteering at the DSO's May 2025 Open Night
Date / Time May 24th, 2025 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
see the DSO's website in our useful links section
Volunteering at New River State Park (221 Access)
Date / Time May 30th, 2025 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Clouded out. Show was limited to a presentation.
Night Magic Author -Leigh Ann Henion Book Signing
Date / Time June 1st, 2025 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This event was hosted by the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Blowing Rock
Volunteering at New River State Park (221 Access)
Date / Time June 3rd, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM
Solar and Lunar observations for the visitors and campers.
Informal observing at Price Picnic Area on the Parkway in Blowing Rock
Date / Time June 21st, 2025 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Our amateur astronomers were set up to provide view of a few objects.
Informal observing at Raven's Rock overlook on the Parkway in Blowing Rock
Date / Time June 29th, 2025 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lstk7dnvo22q
Our amateur astronomers were set up to provide view of the Mars/Moon Conjuc
4th of July Solar/Lunar Observation at New River State Park
Date / Time July 4th, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lt7kd5phrk26
Solar Observation at New River State Park
Date / Time July 23rd , 2025 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lunskwn3ns2v
Solar Observation at New River State Park
Date / Time July 24th , 2025 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Solar Observation and DarkSky Presentation with 22 guests.
Volunteering at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Date / Time July 25th 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3luto7sjjk22q
Volunteering at New River State Park 221 Access
Date / Time August 18th 7:00 PM - 10:45 PM
Light Pollution Awareness and Astronomy Program with 11 participants.
Volunteering at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Date / Time August 26th 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lxdtpukcd22k
Volunteering at New River State Park - 221 Access
Date / Time August 28th 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Solar/Lunar Program with 12 guests.
Volunteering at New River State Park - 221 Access
Date / Time August 29th 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Solar/Lunar Program with 25 guests. https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.o
Volunteering at App State's DSO
Date / Time August 30th 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lxoa4jmxgk2q
DSO's University Family Weekend
Date / Time September 5th 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3ly6co4guc22w
Volunteering at New River State Park - 221 Access
Date / Time September 11th 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lylifxn6zs2x
Volunteering at New River State Park - 221 Access
Date / Time September 12th 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lynbmvnoss2r
Volunteering at App State's DSO
Date / Time September 13th 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lysxn6lfgc2i
Volunteering at New River State Park - 221 Access
Date / Time September 18th 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lz6qdjwsyc2y
Volunteering at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Date / Time September 19th 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lzadlfyijk2r
Saturn observing and astrophoto clinic at Price Lake
Date / Time September 20th 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3lzczjpq65s2l
Past Outreach Events Continued
Volunteering at New River State Park
Date / Time Friday October 3rd 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Lunar / Planetary Observing at 221 Access
Observing for the overnight campers with seven participants.
Volunteering at Rendezvous Mountain State Park
Date / Time Saturday October 4th 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Nasa's Observe the Moon Night
This event will mark our celebration of the NASA's 2025 Observe the Moon Night. This event is open to the public, but participants will need to sign up. Provided decent weather, we will do some sunset solar observing followed by observations of the moon at this beautiful park! To sign up contact the park at 336-667-5072. See link: https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3m2g3egwut22c
Volunteering at New River State Park
Date / Time October 14th 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Three nights of Dark Sky and Planetary Observation
We had three wonderful observing nights in a row, averaging 15 gests per night. See link: https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3m3cjfbuhc22h
Volunteering at New River State Park
Date / Time October 15th 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Three nights of Dark Sky and Planetary Observation
We had three wonderful observing nights in a row, averaging 15 gests per night. See link: https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3m3cjfbuhc22h
Volunteering at New River State Park
Date / Time October 16th 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Three nights of Dark Sky and Planetary Observation
We had three wonderful observing nights in a row, averaging 15 gests per night. See link: https://bsky.app/profile/ashedarksky.org/post/3m3cjfbuhc22h
DSO's October 2025 Open Night
Date / Time Saturday October 18th 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
See the Dark Sky Observatory's website
Volunteering at New River State Park
Date / Time Friday October 24th 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Dark Sky Appreciation and Dark Sky and Planetary Observing
Volunteering at Mount Jefferson Sunset Overlook
Date / Time Saturday October 25th 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM (Provided Clear Skies)
Event was held but closed early due to weather
Moon and Saturn Observing at New River Brewing - The Brewery
Date / Time Saturday November 1st 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Our first sidewalk Astronomy event hosted by New River Brewing!
Volunteering at App State's DSO
Date / Time Friday November 7th 8-11 PM
University Open House Weekend Volunteers will be assisting with open house
Volunteering at App State's DSO
Date / Time Saturday November 15th 8-11 PM
Volunteering at the DSO open night.
Christmas in Lansing
Date / Time Saturday December 6th 2pm to 8pm
Volunteering for GLAD.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
Be on our notification list!
To be notified of major astronomical events and our outings please enter your email.