Crystal Coast Star Party 2026 - Day 2

🌟 Join us for the fifth annual Crystal Coast Star Party! Experience guided night sky tours with Cape Lookout National Seashore Park Rangers and NASA Solar System Ambassadors, alongside a special guest speaker from NASA and exciting activities for kids!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 17
🕖 7:30 PM - Starlight Cruise
Departing from Island Express Ferry Dock at Cape Lookout Visitor Center. Ranger Sabrina Godin will provide a laser tour of the night sky.
🕣 8:30 PM - Public Stargazing
Join amateur astronomers at the stargazing field around Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Visitor Center with telescopes available until the ferry boats return. There will also be an astrophotographers area behind the Visitors Center.

Saturday, April 18
🕐 1:00-3:00 PM - NCScifest Astronomy Activities for Kids
At Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center Education Hall.
🕐 1:00-3:00 PM - Solar Observing
At Cape Lookout Visitor Center Grounds & Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Grounds.
🕓 4:00-5:30 PM - Speaker: Sarah Elizabeth McCandless
NASA JPL Interplanetary Navigation Engineer presenting “Exploring an Icy World with Europa Clipper” at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Education Hall.
🕖 7:30 PM - Starlight Cruise
Another chance to experience the laser tour of the night sky with Ranger Sabrina Godin.
🕣 8:30 PM - Public Stargazing
Final stargazing session for the evening.

Additional Information:

✨ Pre-registration is encouraged for an accurate headcount: Register Here
🎟️ All events are free, except for the starlight cruises which are by reservation only.
📞 For reservations, call 252-728-7433.
☀️ Note: All cruises and stargazing are weather dependent. In case of inclement weather, indoor astronomy programs and presentations will be available.

📍 Location: Information, Willow Rd, Harkers Island, NC 28531, United States

Hosts:

Cape Lookout National Seashore, Crystal Coast Stargazers, and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center

Sponsors:

The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, Island Express Ferry, and Carteret County Chamber of Commerce