Andy Close
CLARENDON, Pa. – Chapman State Park will once again host its popular Drive-In Night Sky Watch, with the next event slated for this Saturday, June 26.
The event starts at 8:30 p.m., with Tom Traub, Project Director for the Martz Observatory in Frewsburg, teaching attendees about the essentials of stargazing and much more.
“Last year, we were trying to come up with different things we could do because of COVID,” said Jen Moore, Chapman State Park’s Environmental Education Specialist. “We thought let’s try and see if we can do this night sky watch.”
And it’s been a big hit.
“We were limited to 25 people (last year) and had a waiting list,” Moore said. “Our first one this year in May had 40 people and it was full. It’s been very popular, more so than it was before COVID.”
Registration is required by calling Moore at (814) 723-0259 or by email at [email protected]. She did stress that with COVID restrictions lifted, there can be unlimited attendance as long as they are outdoors.
“It’s nice to have an idea of how many people are coming,” Moore added.
Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes or a telescope, as well as a blanket or chair and flashlight.
And Traub is more than happy to help those who are new to the craft.
“Tom does a talk as we wait for it to get dark,” Moore said. “This last one we had in May, a lot of people brought in binoculars. We’ve had people bring in telescopes. Tom is more than willing to help people set up their telescopes and spotting scopes.”
Saturday’s event will focus on Venus, Mars and Dark Skies, with the rest of the summer schedule as follows: Saturday, July 31 (Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Dark Skies); Saturday, August 14 (Perseid Meteors); Saturday, September 4 (Dark Skies).
“Even if it’s cloudy, Tom always does something,” Moore said. “Unless it’s thundering and lightning, we’ll still have it. Last time we went until 11 p.m. It’s a really great event. Tom does all kinds of different things.”
