While tall sand dunes offer sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, after the sun sets, the open space provides an unhindered view of the night sky.

To celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Michigan park will host a series of monthly astronomy programs through October. Park rangers and members of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) will help visitors unravel some of the mysteries of the night sky and discover more about the daytime sky. There will be prospects for star-gazing, eclipses, meteor showers, solar viewing, storytelling, and more. Each event takes place at a different location in order to take advantage of strategic viewing opportunities.

“Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has long been a popular destination for its natural resources, rich cultural history and daytime recreational activities. It also offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity once the sun has set,” the park said in a release. “Located far from sources of urban light pollution, the National Lakeshore allows for an unhindered view of the night sky and offers opportunities for visitors to gaze at the visible universe as it was witnessed in times long past.”

All programs offered by Sleeping Bear Dunes are free with park admission. For evening astronomy events, bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car and bug spray, if needed. You are welcome to bring your own binoculars, beach chairs, and blankets for a more comfortable experience, and water is always recommended. Park rangers and GTAS staff will wear red glow necklaces at the events for easy identification and to assist visitors.

“Starry night skies and natural darkness are important components of the special places the NPS protects,” the park added. “National parks enclose some of the last remaining harbors of darkness in America, and provide an excellent opportunity to experience this endangered resource firsthand.”

If an event must be cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, a voicemail message will usually be posted two hours in advance. Please call park rangers at 231-326-4700, ext. 5005, for information concerning possible cancellations.

May 9, 7:14 a.m.-2:44 p.m., Dune Climb

View the transit of Mercury across the sun with the aid of a solar telescope, park rangers and GTAS members. The last transit occurred in 2006. Solar glasses will be available to borrow. Park in the rows furthest from the dunes.

May 21, 9-11 p.m., Dune Climb parking lot

Enjoy the dunes under a full moon and view Jupiter and Mars. The Twilight Talk will be “100 Years of Mars Exploration.” Park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109.

June 18, 4:00-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m., Dune Climb parking lot

The first event focuses on our closest star, the sun, using a solar telescope. The second event is a chance to view the moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The Twilight Talk will be “100 Years of General Relativity.” Park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109.

July 23, all day, Sleeping Bear Dunes First-ever Astronomy Festival

The Astronomy Festival kicks off with family activities and a special presentation, “The Most Amazing 100 Years of Astronomical Discovery, 1916-2016,” by Bob Moler of the GTAS at the Visitor Center. Then, safely examine the sun up close with a solar telescope during the afternoon at the Dune Climb, participate in kid and family activities throughout the day, attend programs and presentations about our night sky. Finally, relax under the stars at Platte Point to observe the summer constellations along with Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

• 1-3 p.m., Visitor Center
• 4-6 p.m., Dune Climb parking lot
• 9-11 p.m., Platte Point

Aug. 13, 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m., Thoreson Farm

Celebrate the last day of the Port Oneida Fair with a dual Star Party event. Finish off your afternoon with a solar viewing, and then come back after dinner for a Star Party treat. Observe the beautiful summer constellations along with the moon, Mars, Saturn, and possibly a few bright Perseid meteors. Bring a blanket to make your night sky viewing more comfortable.

Sept. 3, 9-11 p.m., Dune Climb parking lot

Experience the late summer night sky in near total darkness and explore the Milky Way, Mars, and Saturn. The Twilight Talk will be “100 Years of Recognizing and Studying the Andromeda Nebula as a Galaxy.” Park in the row furthest from the dunes with your headlights facing M-109.

Oct. 21, 8-10 p.m., Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Stop #3

Mark the 46th anniversary of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Observe the night sky, Mars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. The Twilight Talk will be “100 Years of the Expanding Universe.” Park at Picnic Mountain, the next right after Stop #2.