Cherry Springs State Park is presenting three free programs for the public in December. The first two programs are virtual and the last one will be held in person at the park.

“Meteors Demystified” is Tuesday, Dec. 13 

There’s a meteor, and another, and another! Through the timely 30-minute virtual program “Meteors Demystified” being held on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. learn about the Geminid Meteor Shower, such as the causes of the Geminids and other meteor showers and our fascination with “shooting stars.” The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-December just days after this program and is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year, producing as many as 120 meteors per hour. Find out what you can expect to see during the Geminids Meteor Shower, and come away with some viewing tips and better insight into why it’s all happening. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.

“Know Before You Go – Stargazing” is Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The 30-minute virtual program “Know Before You Go – Stargazing,” designed for first-time or novice stargazers, is being held twice on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The programs are identical. Find out what you need to know about Cherry Springs State Park before you visit, such as what to bring, how to best plan for an evening of stargazing, and how to observe several objects in the night sky. After registering, you will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program does NOT take place at the park. Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.

In-Person New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk is Saturday, Dec. 31

Wrap up 2022 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 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. People of all ages are invited to join the park educator for the one-hour, in-person, 1.5-mile New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk along level ground in the night sky public viewing area. Snowshoes will be available if conditions require. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. The program will end by 7:30 p.m. leaving time for New Year’s Eve plans. Wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. Registration is NOT required. 

If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.