Free, in-person programs are being held this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 and 30 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. 

Star gazing programs are in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. 

Check the Clear Sky Chart or Astrospheric for 48-hour forecasts of cloud cover and viewing conditions. 

Registration is encouraged but not required for free in-person programs. The public may choose to register because those who do will receive an email if a program is cancelled or modified due to weather, etc. 

Launch Into Space: Lunar Landing – Yard Games are This Saturday, July 29 from 7pm to 7:45pm

Launch into space by joining park staff for moon and astronomy-themed free, fun, family-friendly educational yard games, These games will provide an introduction to astronomy, and are a great way to ease into the Night Sky Tour program.

Nature at Night: Owl Prowl is This Saturday, July 29 from 8pm to 9pm

Whooo’s there? After a half-hour presentation exploring owl traits and identification, owl prowl participants will walk about one mile on mostly level grass and gravel surfaces to listen and look for owls. Be prepared to stand still silently at times as owls can be a little shy. Wear suitable footwear for potentially damp grass and bring a red-light flashlight.

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Summer Sky is This Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29 from 9:15pm to 10pm

Wish you knew your way around the night sky? Experience the wonder of a starry night at Cherry Springs State during a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff. Learn how to find the Big Dipper, the North Star, and a few key summer constellations. It’s great for beginners. Listen as staff recount the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns in the sky. Find out about park history, current use, and the importance of dark night skies.

Gibbous Moon & Planet Watch is This Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, from 10pm to 11pm

The Gibbous moon is nearly full. Join park staff to take a journey to the moon by telescope and explore some of its fascinating and diverse natural features from highlands to volcanic plains and discover where lunar landings took place. After viewing the moon take a look at a visible planet. Telescope availability is subject to time and crowd-size limitations.

Music Under the Stars – EMMF Brass Quintet “Explore the Universe” is This Sunday, July 30 from 8pm to 9pm

Enjoy a free performance by the five-member EMMF brass quintet and a percussionist as part of the Endless Mountain Music Festival concert series. The concert is open to all ages. Seating is limited; bring chairs. Registration is optional, but encouraged. If it becomes necessary to cancel or relocate the concert due to inclement weather, all registered participants will be notified by email. Following the concert, attendees are invited to stay for a Night Sky Tour from 9:45pm to 10:30pm and a Moon Watch from 10:30pm to 11:15pm.

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Summer Sky is This Sunday, July 30, 9:45pm to 10:30pm

Experience the wonder of a starry night at Cherry Springs State Park through a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff. Learn how to find the Big Dipper, the North Star and a few key summer constellations. It’s great for beginners. Listen as staff recount the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns in the sky. Learn about park history, current use, and the importance of dark night skies.

Through Our Telescopes: Moon Watch is This Sunday, July 30 from 10:30pm to 11:15pm

Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour to explore the moon’s diverse natural landscape from highlands to volcanic plains and discover moon mission landing sites. Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the time listed subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.

Register at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park for park programs. Questions? Call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.