Try to spy the stars and constellations of the Summer Triangle, the Apenine Mountains of the moon or the Rabbit in the Moon. If you are not sure where to look, the best place to start is with a little assistance.
Silver Falls State Park and the Friends of Silver Falls invite the public to enjoy stargazing at the ninth annual Star Party 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Aug. 3 at the main parking lot of the day use area. From there, follow the directions to the viewing area. It is in the same venue where the Star Party was held last year.
Silver Falls State Park is one of the darkest, easily accessible locations in the Willamette Valley for viewing the night sky. Visitors are encouraged to bring telescopes or binoculars, but neither is necessary. The Salem astronomy club, Night Sky 45, will be on hand with telescopes and expertise throughout the event.
Packing for the park after dark is a little different from packing for the day. Rangers recommend bringing warm layers of clothing, a blanket or reclining chair and a flashlight. The park will provide star charts, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, and red cellophane flashlight covers. The Friends of Silver Falls will provide refreshments.
More information about the Star Party and Silver Falls are available by calling Ian Fawley at 503-874-0201 or by visiting www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php.
To learn about Salem’s Night Sky 45 Astronomy Club, visit www.nightsky45.com and to learn about the Friends of Silver Falls or to volunteer, call Lou Nelson at 503-581-4155 or visit www.friendsofsilverfalls.net. Silver Falls State Park is on OR-214.
A day-use permit is required to park at Silver Falls; visitors can purchase a one-day permit for $5 or an annual permit for $30.
