Stargazing events Friday and Saturday at Spooner Lake and Washoe Lake parks
Stargazers can enjoy two guided tour events offered Friday and Saturday through Nevada State Parks.
The first is a laser-guided tour of starry wonders with professional stargazer Gigi Giles at Spooner Lake State Park.
Astronomy goers will be pleased with this unique and educational experience as they peer through the provided high powered telescopes and astronomical binoculars in the tranquil mountain air at an elevation of 7,000 feet.
Participants are urged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a warm jacket. Red flashlights are recommended as they do not affect night vision. Children under 12 and pets are not recommended for this event.
The event is Friday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Entry to Spooner Lake State Park is free for this event.
Meet in the upper parking lot. Spooner Lake is located near the intersection of State Route 28 and U.S. Highway 50.
Meanwhile, the Northern Nevada Astronomical Group will host a star party and astronomy program Saturday at Washoe Lake State Park. There will be a short slide presentation and a variety of telescopes set up for viewing stars and planets. Participants should bring lawn chairs and a jacket since it will be cooler after dark. Red flashlights are recommended as they do not affect night vision.
The event runs from 8:30 p.m. to midnight (or later at Washoe Lake State Park is located at 4855 Eastlake Boulevard (Take the Eastlake Boulevard Exit #44 from I-580), drive north on Eastlake Boulevard, 4 miles, and the park’s entrance is on the left. Meet at the Maze parking lot; turn left past the fee booth, and it is the first parking lot on the right.
All events are open to the public and free of charge; however, there is an entrance fee into the park of $7 per vehicle (cash or check). Nevada residents receive a $2 discount. Program schedules are subject to change due to weather and staffing.
The passport challenge continues: The Nevada State Parks Passport Booklet is now available and may be picked up at any state park. Visitors who have their booklets stamped at 15 different parks will earn a free annual pass to all Nevada State Parks.
The booklet, which serves as a travel aid as well as travelogue for park visitors, includes photos, a description of each park, lists of amenities, travel journal pages and spaces for validation stamps which have been designed to reflect each unique state park.
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