COUDERSPORT — Cherry Springs State Park (CSSP) is presenting three free programs for the public during the month of December. The first two programs are virtual and the last one will be held in person at the park.
The first of the programs, “Meteors Demystified” will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 — Look in the vast night sky, there’s a meteor, and another, and another — or at least there will be soon.
Through the timely 30-minute virtual program visitors will learn about the Geminid Meteor Shower, such as the causes of the Geminids and other meteor showers and the fascination with “shooting stars.”
The Geminid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-December just days after this program and is one of the most reliable meteor showers of the year, producing as many as 120 meteors per hour. Visitors will find out what they can expect to see during the Geminids Meteor Shower, and come away with some viewing tips and better insight into why it’s all happening.
After registering, participants will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program is virtual only.
Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
The second program to be held, “Know Before You Go – Stargazing” is another 30-minute virtual program to be held, however this program will be held twice, once from noon until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20, then again from 6 until 6:30 p.m. The program is designed for first-time or novice stargazers.
During the program visitors will find out what they need to know about Cherry Springs State Park before a visit, such as what to bring, how to best plan for an evening of stargazing and how to observe several objects in the night sky.
After registering, participants will receive an email with the link to join the program. This presentation is best viewed on a desktop or larger tablet. Note: This program is virtual only.
Register at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park and program title.
The third event CSSP will hold this December is the in-person New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the park which is located at 4639 Cherry Springs Road in Coudersport. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
Wrap up 2022 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. People of all ages are invited to join the park educator for the one-hour, in-person, 1.5-mile New Year’s Eve Stargazing Walk along level ground in the night sky public viewing area. Snowshoes will be available if conditions require. Visitors can expect to learn about the winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. The program will end by 7:30 p.m. leaving time for New Year’s Eve plans. Wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. Registration is not required for this event, all are welcomed.
If there is a problem with registering online or for information about these free programs, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
