CANCELLED – Cades Cove Stargazing Event on October 8! View our Amazing Milky Way Galaxy!
This event has been cancelled due to cloud cover; confirmed with the Cades Cove ranger station at noon today. We’ll keep you posted on the next scheduled event!
Don’t miss the Cades Cove Stargazing Event on Saturday, October 8, 2016! Come view our amazing Milky Way Galaxy! If you’re a Neil deGrasse Tyson wannabe, or just a fan, then this is the event for you! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has partnered with the Smoky Mountains Astronomical Society to offer a 2 1/2 hour stargazing program this fall.
The FREE program begins at 7:30 p.m. at the orientation shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road. A National Park Ranger will lead guests on a 1/3 mile walk to the viewing area. Please note that vehicles are not allowed to drive to the field for viewing so carpooling is highly encouraged.
Join experienced astronomers, with LOTS of awesome telescopes, and explore our galaxy. The amazingly low light environment of remote Cades Cove is one of the best locations to explore the autumn skies. With a little help from Mother Nature, here’s hoping for clear skies and the unique opportunity to view stars, planets and constellations. Join a National Park Ranger and discover how the constellations received such interesting names and their significance to our human history.
“People will be amazed at the vast depths of this planetary world and all that they can see in complete darkness,” says National Park Ranger Mike Maslona, “This program mixes astronomy, legends, and the beauty of the stars to create a worthwhile exploration into the wonders of the heavens.”
PLANNING TIP! Remember the seasons are changing here in the Smokies so a warm jacket, hat, and gloves are a good idea for this adventure. Bring along a flashlight and binoculars. A lawn chair and blanket will add comfort to your outdoor nighttime experience.
Even if you only have a passing interest in the heavens this event should not be missed! In case of inclement weather. the program will be cancelled. Please call the Cades Cove Visitor Center at 865-448-4104 on the day of the event to confirm. Visit Smoky Mountains Astronomical Society to learn about other stargazing events throughout the year.
