Star Gazing With the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Star gazing at the Grand Rapids Public Museum can be very exciting. One would think you would be sitting in a comfortable seat in the Chafee Planetarium watching a spectacular show. But noooooooo, not this time.

You can join the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) for their “Winter Star Party” on Friday, March 11 and Saturday March 12 to view sky wonders not visible during warm weather seasons. Also, this viewing is not at the museum. It will be outside, where it's dark, and away from city lights.

The “Winter Start Party” will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday at the Cascade Recreational Park and is free to all.

GRAAA members will have telescopes set up to allow viewing of the crescent moon, Jupiter and various other sky features visible only during winter and early spring. During warm weather season, these features are below the horizon making them unable to be seen. If you plan to come to this fun event, you are encouraged to dress for cold weather and to bring flashlights, binoculars and telescopes if available.

Note: this event is weather dependent and will only take place if the sky is clear.

Status updates will be posted on the GRAAA website, graaa.org.