A spectacular evening of astronomical happenings will come together next Tuesday, and the public is invited to a special viewing event at the Headlands in northern Emmet County.
On this darkest day of the year, a total lunar eclipse after midnight on the 21st coincides with the winter solstice, which ushers in the official start of winter. In addition, the Ursid meteor shower will be filling the sky with its own show.
Join Mary Stewart Adams, a Harbor Springs astrosopher and night-sky expert, in a figurative trip to the moon and back. She will explain the astronomical events, tell stories related to the celestial occurrences and guide visitors to the best viewing spots on this exceptionally dark property two miles west of Mackinaw City.
Adams will be joined by award-winning photographer Robert de Jonge, who will be photographing the celestial events for his personal and professional portfolios. See his work
online.
The event begins at 1:30 a.m. at the Guest House. Please arrive between 11 p.m. and midnight on Monday, Dec. 20, to allow time for site selection and set-up. The eclipse will begin just after the clock ticks to Tuesday. Light refreshments will be served. There are no accommodations available for the night.
There is no charge for this event, sponsored by the Emmet County Parks and Recreation Department. Donations will be accepted toward the ongoing establishment of an
International Dark-Sky Park at the Headlands.
For directions or further information about the event, call (231) 348-1704.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Emmet County parks and Recreation
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