SUNSET BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – Ingram Planetarium will host a free star party later this month as part of the North Carolina Science Festival, offering the public a chance to learn what they’re seeing in the night sky.
Chloe Bessette, a planetarium assistant, said visitors can expect “a lot of telescopes,” with live viewings of planets, stars and constellations, plus hands-on demonstrations for kids.
Bessette said the event gives attendees access to astronomy experts who can answer questions and help them spot objects of interest. She added that outreach is a key part of the planetarium’s mission, especially for people who may be looking through a telescope for the first time.
The star party will also include moon-themed activities tied to NASA’s Artemis II mission.
“We have a lot of different hands-on moon-themed demos, so you can make things like moon craters, or learn about the dust that is on the moon’s surface,” Bessette said.
The star party is scheduled for April 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with guests welcome to stay longer. Supplies for the activities will be provided.
If rain moves in, Bessette said the planetarium will shift to an indoor backup plan, including a short video about the Artemis mission shown inside the dome.
The planetarium will be open earlier in the day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will remain open through the evening for the event, Bessette said.
The museum’s festival programming continues with a weeklong Earth Day celebration from April 20-25. Museum events are included with paid admission.
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