Exploring Dark Skies

 

Forget not to look up. Step out into the darkness and let the moment shape itself as you get lost in the beauty above. Stand under a blanket of stars and be filled with awe and wonder.

Natural darkness is quickly becoming a rare sight. Cities are letting off light pollution, filling the evening sky with a lightened hue. If you are lucky enough, your backyard may be a place to go out, look up, and see what’s above. If not journey here to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, or to your nearest National Park site to take in the breathtaking views of a star-filled night sky.

 

Visiting the Lakeshore after dark

Remember that half of the park is after dark! If you do plan on visiting the park at night remember to:

• Bring your park pass with you! While Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is open for 24 hours a day, you are still required to have a pass if you plan on being in the park.

• Bring a flashlight! You will want to be able to see where you are going!

• Do not use your phone as your only source of light! Plan on having an additional flashlight, headlamp, or lantern to light your way. Your phone is not a reliable source of light.

• Use a red-light flashlight! Red light will help you to preserve your night vision. If you don’t have a red-light flashlight, you can also wrap red cellophane around your phone light or another flashlight.

• Be respectful of others enjoying the night sky! Avoid shining lights on other visitors as it may disrupt their night vision.

• Dress in layers! Summer nights are often chilly in Northern Michigan.

• Bring something to sit on! A blanket or a chair will make your experience more comfortable as you look up.

• Bug spray! If you would be more comfortable not being a mosquito’s evening meal, use some bug spray.

• Leave No Trace! Leave it better than you found it by remembering to take home everything that you brought with you.

Roads, trailheads, and parking lots in the Lakeshore are open 24 hours a day. Campgrounds, visitor centers, and facilities have separate hours. Camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds and campsites. Off-trail camping, boondocking, or overnight parking for sleeping is illegal within Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Places in the Lakeshore to view the night sky

If you want to see the night sky, there are several places in the park to do so. Some recommended locations include:

• Any of the beaches that stretch along the Lake Michigan shoreline

• Parking lot of the Dune Climb

• Thoreson Farm in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District

• Platte River Point

The best locations to view the night sky are locations that are away from sources of light. Light pollution can affect how much of the night sky that we can see. Try and find locations where you are unable to see the affects of light from nearby Traverse City. It will also take your eyes around 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Let your eyes adjust by looking at no artificial lights, even your phone!

Once your eyes are adjusted take in the night sky. If you’re lucky enough to see the Nothern Lights (the Aurora Borealis) remember to look to the North.

 

Duration:

2 minutes, 27 seconds

Half the park is after dark!

 

Events in the Lakeshore, including Star Parties

 

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