Michigan largest 'star party' returning to Island Lake Rec with powerful telescopes, NASA
GREEN OAK TWP. — "Astronomy at the Beach" is returning to Kent Lake Beach at the Island Lake picnic grounds, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23.
Outer space photographer Brian Ottum says the upcoming annual "star party" at Island Lake State Recreation Area is the largest astronomy-focused public gathering in Michigan.
Several astronomy clubs are expected to bring more than 40 telescopes for people to view planets, stars and other celestial bodies.
"There are some 10-foot-tall (telescopes)," Ottum said, "that might show a galaxy 3 million light years away."
Solar telescopes will be available for people to view what Ottum says is a "very active" sun, 4-6 p.m. each day of the event. There will also be a scavenger hunt for kids to complete using the telescopes.
"You can see solar flares and spots," he said. "The sun is very active now. There are lots of storms."
Several astronomy clubs in the state who are members of the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs host the "star party." The Michigan Science Center, the State Department of Natural Resources, the University of Michigan's Dearborn Observatory and other sponsors participate.
Ottum is bringing some of his space photographs. He is member of The Ann Arbor Lowbrow Astronomers club and does educational presentations on astronomy.
NASA, 'comet' making, and TV meteorologist tips
Ottum recently got news NASA is coming to the event. NASA John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is bringing a mobile exhibit with space photographs and hands-on science.
The event will also feature a meteorite exhibit, vendors and other family-friendly activities and demonstrations
Presenters include meteorologist Paul Gross, who recently retired from WDIV-TV. Gross will talk about a major total solar eclipse that will black out the sky over places as nearby as Ohio on April 8, 2024.
Ottum said people can learn where to go to view the 2024 eclipse — Michigan will only see a partial eclipse — and how to view it.
In the past, these events have drawn about 3,000 people, Ottum said.
"It's people who like science and it does skew toward families," he said, adding that some teachers give extra credit to their students for attending.
The "star party" is free for those with Michigan State Parks "recreation passport" registration. The passports are $18 annually for state residents. Non-Michigan residents can purchase day passes for $9.
More information about this year's "Astronomy at the Beach" event is available at glaac.org/astronomy-at-the-beach-2023/
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Friday, Sept. 22:
4-6 p.m. Solar observing in the telescope field
7:45-8:45 p.m. "The Day We Discovered the Universe" keynote speech by Jesse Mason, physics professor at Henry Ford College
9-9:50 p.m. "What is an Eclipse?" with solar system ambassadors Tim Campbell and Liam Finn
Periodically 9-11:30 p.m. Laser-point tours of the constellations in the telescope field
10-10:50 p.m. "Meteorites and Tektites" talk by Sandra Macik
Saturday, Sept. 23:
4-6 p.m. Solar observing in the telescope field
7-7:30 p.m. "How to Make a Comet" demonstration by the Michigan Science Center
7:45-8:45 p.m. "The Great Total Solar Eclipse of 2024, Weather or Not?" keynote speech by retired WDIV-TV meteorologist Paul Gross
9-9:50 p.m. "What is an Eclipse?" with solar system ambassadors Tim Campbell and Liam Finn
Periodically 9-11:30 p.m. Tours of the constellations in the telescope field
10-10:50 p.m. "Meteorites and Tektites" talk by Sandra Macik
— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: 'Star party' returning to Kent Lake with powerful telescopes, NASA
