Crystal Coast Star Party 2027

Come celebrate International Dark Sky Week in our International Dark Sky Park!

Registration will open in January 2027

(Please read FAQ below for additional information.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Announcing our 2027 Star Party Speaker

Dr. Arik Posner
NASA Heliophysicist and Space Weather Advisor

Crystal Coast Stargazers are excited to announce our NASA speaker for the Crystal Coast Star Party 2027 (April 9 & 10) — Dr. Arik Posner, NASA Heliophysicist and Space Weather Advisor for Johnson Space Center’s Space Radiation Analysis Group.

Since 2018, Dr. Posner has worked with the Parker Solar Probe team to explore the immediate vicinity of our star including the sources of the solar wind. He’s previous research led to an advanced-capability radiation sensor, RAD, on the Curiosity rover that has recorded solar and cosmic rays on the surface of Mars since 2012. Through Curiosity’s cruise to Mars, he discovered what is now called the Hohmann-Parker effect. Additionally, he developed REleASE, a forecasting model that aims at protecting astronauts from potentially harmful effects of sudden, extreme solar particle events.

Dr. Posner’s subject: Parker Solar Probe – Speed-dating a Star

Event Contacts:
Vermadel Nienstedt, Crystal Coast Stargazers
803-608-9713
vermadel@embarqmail.com

Sabrina Godin, Cape Lookout National Seashore
252-838-8906
sabrina_godin@nps.gov

From past Star Party attendees:

Loved the location, the club members, food truck, and Park staff. One of the best event facilities plus Dark Sky Designation!!

It was great! We will definitely do this again! The astronomers were so kind, patient and helpful! Our group of 3 will do this again I am sure and probably bring others along.

The children’s program on Saturday was amazing. It was well planned, well staffed, and very engaging. Our grandchildren had a blast and learned so much. Thanks to the amazing volunteers who made it happen. Thanks also to the astronomers who brought their equipment and were patient and open to sharing and teaching, especially for our kids. We loved this event!

Lovely introduction to Dark Sky Park. Will definitely be back!

I thought the event was well put together. The star party was fabulous. Lots of scopes and very well educated people manning them. I will be coming back! Thoroughly enjoyed the presentations and conversations with the astronomers who set up their telescopes.

Event Hosts: