Free, in-person summer solstice programs are being held Next Wednesday, June 15 and summer night sky tour and other programs next Friday and Saturday, June 23 & 24 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 they will receive an email if a program is cancelled or modified due to weather, etc. 

Solstice Stroll is Wednesday, June 21 from 8:30pm to 9:15pm

People of all ages are invited to meet at the kiosk by the bathrooms in the gravel lot of the Night Sky Public Viewing Area to take an evening stroll on the longest day of the year using their senses to explore the forest and find their way, just like nocturnal animals do. This walk will be about one mile over a crushed gravel and grassy path.

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Summer Sky is Wednesday, June 21 from 9:30pm to 10:15pm

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

Through Our Telescopes: Summer Basics Wednesday, June 21 from 10:30pm to 11:15pm

Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour of the night sky. Look through park telescopes at some key observable features of late spring and early summer. Take a closer look at a surprising star in the Big Dipper, peer into the heart of Scorpius the scorpion, and more. Telescopes available on a first-come, first-served basis for the time listed subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.

Nature at Night: Exploring Our Senses Family Program Friday, June 23 from 7:30pm to 8:15pm

This program is for families with children. It’s so dark, how do nighttime animals ever get anything done? In this family-friendly program, explore the five senses humans and nocturnal animals use to find their way at night. 

Night Sky Tour: Introduction to the Summer Sky is Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 from 9:30pm to 10:15pm

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

Through Our Telescopes: Summer Basics is Next Friday, June 23 and Next Saturday, June 24 from 10:30pm to 11:15pm

Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour of the night sky. Look through park telescopes at some key observable features of late spring and early summer. Take a closer look at a surprising star in the Big Dipper, peer into the heart of Scorpius the scorpion, and more.  Telescopes available on a first-come, first-served basis for the time listed,  subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.

Launch into Space: Yard Games are from 7:30pm to 8:15pm Next Saturday, June 24 

Join park staff for fun, family-friendly astronomy-themed educational yard games. Designed to provide an introduction to astronomy, these games are a great way to ease into the Night Sky Tour. 

Firefly Frenzy is Next Saturday, June 24 from 8:30pm to 9:15pm

Join park staff for a close up look at the amazing insects that have fascinated people for ages: fireflies or lightning bugs? During a short discussion, discover how and why these beetles light up the sky and then explore the fields of Cherry Springs to search for them. This program is designed for all knowledge levels and ages. 

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.