The West Jersey Astronomical Society will guide new and experienced stargazers through a tour of the sky above.
Although Rancocas State Park measures about 1,250 acres through Mt. Laurel, Westampton and Hainesport townships, the night sky above the park might seem infinite to those below.
With that in mind, the Friends of Rancocas Nature Center are set to join with the West Jersey Astronomical Society to co-host the park’s 4th Star Watch/Astronomy Night on Friday, Aug. 3.
According to the Friends of Rancocas Nature Center, the astronomical society is once again ready to help guide stargazers through a relaxing look across a summer night’s sky.
Whether guests are just starting out with their interest in astronomy or if they’re longtime watchers of the night sky, the astronomical society will provide various telescopes and other optic devices to give attendees a variety of options to view the stars above.
According to West Jersey Astronomical Society’s website, the club (formerly known as the Willingboro Astronomical Society) is now in its 51st year of serving amateur astronomers and other members of the public in the Delaware Valley.
The nonprofit group notes a long history of providing star parties, public education, training and other astronomical related activities.
For the upcoming Star Watch/Astronomy Night on Aug. 3, guests are also encouraged to bring flashlights, lawn chairs and binoculars to the event.
“Hope you can join us for some lovely, fresh R&R under the stars,” said Friends of Rancocas Nature Center communications chair Lavonne Bebler Johnson in an email. “You’d never know you’re in crowded New Jersey under our Nature Center stars.”
According to the Friends of Rancocas Nature Center, the group’s 2016 event featured a view of Jupiter and the 2015 event featured a view of Saturn’s rings.
Those interested in attending this year’s event can pre-register by calling (609) 261–2495.
Cost to attend for members of the Rancocas Nature Center is $10 per person or $25 for a family with a limit of five.
The cost of the event for nonmembers is $15 per person or $40 per family with a limit of five.
The event will take place at the Rancocas Nature Center, located at 794 Rancocas Road, Westampton. Guests are advised to arrive at 7:30 p.m.
Those interested in learning more about the event or the Rancocas Nature Center can visit www.rancocasnaturecenter.org.
This marks the 38th year of operation for the center, which continues to provide environmental education to schools, libraries, Scouts, senior citizens and the general public through a 210-acre piece of the Rancocas State Park, which features hiking trails through forest, wetlands, meadows and more.
The Rancocas Nature Center also includes a gift shop, live animals, natural history displays, birdseed for sale and more.
To learn more about the West Jersey Astronomical Society, visit http://wasociety.us/.
A rain date for this year’s Star Watch/Astronomy Night is set for Friday, Aug. 10.
