State Wide Astronomy Night (SWAN) event at Stargate Observatory

Spend an evening exploring the wonders of the universe with astronomers and experts in the field! The annual Michigan Statewide Astronomy Night (SWAN) (http://sciencefestival.msu.edu/) is an exciting partnership of planetariums and observatories across Michigan, who have coordinated a special evening to enjoy the presentations and activities that reveal the secrets of our night sky.

All host sites are committed to providing a fun and informative experience for all visitors. Observing is planned at all sites, and while activities and presentations may vary between sites, all will be held rain or moonshine!

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Stargate Observatory is hosting a special Star Party and Open House as part of this statewide event - you will get to use Warren Astronomical Society telescopes to see what's out there in the sky tonight, and chat with our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

We usually stay as long as the skies are clear and there are interested observers - usually around midnight, but on nice nights even later - you don't have to stay the whole time.

We only require a few things for your safety and enjoyment:

We ask that you aim your headlights away from the observing field in case you have to leave early.

DRESS WARM! Observing is an outside activity, so dress a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Like any other activity, the key to lasting is layers, layers, layers! In the wintertime and early spring, plan to wear at least two layers of every garment: socks, pants, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders.

Please plan to be at the observatory before dark. Be careful with headlights on your way in, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible, and park your car facing away from the observing field if you have running lights. The park prefers that all vehicles park along the road but you may see some vehicles parked near the observatory. They are usually club members with large telescopes set up for you to look through.

Please don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights, but if you'd like to bring your own, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. You can read ideas here (http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/forums/t/10521.aspx).

No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Weather, especially in Michigan, is unpredictable. We are always (some might say irrationally) hopeful, but if there's a solid chance of an extended downpour we are not likely to do any observing! If you're not sure about the weather, call Jeff MacLeod, Joseph Tocco, or Jonathan Kade (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/officers.aspx) to check if the open house has been canceled.

Bathrooms: Camp Rotary has full-service public restrooms, with warm running water and other modern conveniences.

If there's something specific you'd like to see, we'll do our best to make it happen. We have safe, filtered solar telescopes to look at the sun in amazing detail (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/astro_photos/detail.aspx?id=25501605@N07&photo=2402535178) before it gets dark; if you're interested in seeing our local star, let us know and we'll try to make a telescope available.

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We accept donations via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3MHHRBMAK5WFA) to help us educate and inspire the general public. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible public charity, and we would be happy to send you a donation receipt for your tax purposes.

Feel free to email us (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/contactUs.aspx) if you have any questions.