September 14 , 2017
Daytime: Northern Stars Travelling Planetarium, Katahdin Elementary School, Stacyville. Shows for K-grade 4, presentations to middle school by Astro VIPs from Acadia National Park.
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. — Family Star Party, Dark Skies and Our Communities. Parents and students attend travelling planetarium show, meet Astro VIP’s from Acadia National Park. Snacks included. Planetarium show seating limited to 65 total; first come, first served. Children 4 years and older please. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
September 15 , 2017
Daytime: Northern Stars Travelling Planetarium, Medway Middle School, for Medway, East Millinocket and Millinocket elementary students.
12-1:30 p.m. — Dine and Discuss – East Millinocket KTEC. Kelly Beatty from the International Dark Sky Association will talk and lead a discussion for citizens, town officials and others on new lighting and possible funding options for communities while still protecting night views. Bring a brown bag lunch, beverages and desserts provided. RSVP appreciated at lunksoos@gmail.com.
September 16 , 2017
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Trails End Festival, Millinocket Town Park, Millinocket. “Dark Skies and Our Communities “ Speakers and discussion Join Astro VIPs and Acadia Ranger Michael Marion for solar viewing and discussion . They will have specially adapted telescopes for viewing our sun.
1:30-5 p.m. — Meet Up at Sandbank Campsite KWWNM; https://www.nps.gov/kaww/planyourvisit/directions.htm. Guided Hike up Barnard Mountain on the Monument. Moderate hike for all ability levels, 4-plus miles. Guided mountain bike ride into Orin Falls, 6-mile-plus roundtrip, moderate mountain bike ride. No street bikes. Both trips ted by VIP’s of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Volunteer in Park). Bring hiking shoes, warm layers, snacks, water and camera. Depart by 1:45 p.m. from Sand Bank Campsite for either Barnard Mountain or Orin Falls, depending on group’s consensus and the weather. RSVP at lunksoos@gmail.com.
5:45 p.m. — Follow the SOK 2017 Signs via the Swift Brook Road to reach SOK 2017 campfire and star viewing on the Katahdin Loop Road. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended.
Shuttle bus for those who wish from Sand Bank Campsite to the site. Limited to 15 people; bus will make one run at 5:45 pm and return to Sand Bank Campsite no later than 10:30 p.m. Reserve seat by no later than 5:30 pm on Sept. 16, then first come, first served. lunksoos@gmail.com to reserve a seat on the bus and so we can notify you of any cancellations.
Public may also drive to the campfire location and, as always, carpooling will be encouraged. Parking close to the venue may be limited. Please do not block any of the camping sites at Sand Bank or the loop road at any point. Volunteers will be onsite to direct parking beginning at 5 pm.
6-8 p.m. — Campfire Chats and S’mores. Entertaining and informative talks on just about anything, but generally with a regional or nighttime theme. Talks led by Maine IAT, Northern Sky Planetarium, astronomers, NPS and other night sky lovers. S’mores and water available. Bring camp chairs, warm layers , snacks and beverages ,flashlights. Located at Mile 6.7 on the Katahdin Loop Road. Follow the SOK 2017 signs via the Swift Brook Road. This event will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.
8-10 p.m., weather permitting — guided night sky viewing with the experts and their telescopes. After a volunteer-led, 100-yard moderate walk uphill with red lighting, volunteer astronomers will share their telescope views with participants. Mile 6.7 of the Katahdin Loop Road. Follow the SOK 2017 signs via the Swift Brook Road off Route 11. Gravel road,16 miles from paved road. Be prepared. Very limited cellphone service. No amenities. Higher clearance vehicles recommended.
Those attending should bring warm, warm layers, binoculars, flashlights and a mat if desired. Red coverings for flashlights, telescopes and gurus and guides will be furnished. Leave Cell phones off. No flash photography allowed.
RSVP at lunksoos@gmail.com.
