Little Eyes on Big Skies: Family Stargazing at the Lake

Gentle Reader, over the years, I've gotten more knowledgeable about space and the constellations. My Dad is a big fan of NASA and loves to go and sit in the backyard to watch the International Space Station go by.

It's definitely better than some frat boy standing on my college apartment balcony pointing out ONLY the constellations everyone knows and acting like it was new information.  Seriously, dudes of the world - if you don't actually know a lot about the stars and constellations.... don't do that.  We see what you're doing.

ANYWAY.

You as an adult might have had the question from the kiddos, though.  I'm sure they've  looked up at the night sky and thought, “Wow, that’s pretty… but what is all that stuff?” And you can explain, but... not as well it could be, after all, you're no astronomer.  Well, now’s your chance to find out — and have a blast doing it!

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Join the Big Lake State Park team for Star Gazing at the Lake, a night full of wonder, wows, and a few “Wait… is that a UFO?” moments. They'll explore how ancient travelers used the stars and planets to navigate long before GPS told us to make a U-turn. (Spoiler: no one ever yelled at a constellation for taking the wrong exit.)

Each participant will get to make their own planisphere. What's that?

It's basically a star map that won’t run out of battery. You’ll learn to spot constellations like Orion, the Big Dipper, and maybe even some you’ve never heard of (Scorpius? Pegasus? Larry?). With your new tools in hand, you’ll then scan the sky through not one, not two, but three different telescopes. That’s three times the chance to say, “Whoa!”

Whether you’re a future astronaut or just here for the vibes, this event is perfect for kids, families, and curious stargazers of all ages. So why not make some plans for Saturday, July 5, at 8:30 p.m.?  It's about a three hour drive from West Central Missouri, so you could make a day of it!  Big Lake State Park is located at 204 Lake Shore Drive, in Craig. Bring a blanket, bring your curiosity.....and maybe bring snacks. Star hunting is serious business.

Gazingly Yours,
Behka