Kitt Peak Observatory | Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association | Grand Canyon Star Party | Caribbean

Star Parties

by Elaine Glusac

  • Visitors to Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson can picnic under the stars between peeks through 16-inch telescopes. www.noao.edu
  • On the Caribbean island of Nevis, naturalist Jim Johnson leads nightly star-watching tours, complete with a campfire on the beach, rum punch, and marshmallows. (869) 469-9080
  • Gaze through the Adler Planetarium’s telescopes in Chicago on Far Out Fridays, held the first Friday night of every month. www.adler planetarium.org
  • At Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve, where it’s a tradition to howl at the northern lights, guests at the McKinley Chalet Resort can request a wake-up call whenever the skies flare. www.denaliparkresorts.com
  • The McDonald Observatory in Texas’s Big Bend region throws star parties on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with their 16-inch and 22-inch telescopes. www.mcdonaldobservatory.org

  • Make reservations for the astronomer-led nightly stargazing tours atop the roof at the Hyatt Regency Maui to scope planets and constellations. A nightcap of Milky Way candy bars and Starburst Fruit Chew candies sweetens the deal. (808) 661-1234. www.maui.hyatt.com

  • Plan now for the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association’s annual Grand Canyon Star Party next June. Bring your own telescope or check out others’ at the weeklong celestial fete. www.tucson astronomy.org —E.G.


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