Photo of our night skies by Hambidge Fellow Patrick Di Rito.

Bring your sense of wonder to our Star Party, an evening of viewing the dark, star-strewn skies above Hambidge. Dr. Enrique Gómez, a professional astronomer, will be on hand with telescopes to help you explore the Moon, summertime constellations, star clusters, and galaxies. Bonus: the Perseid meteor shower is peaking this weekend, so you might get to wish upon a few 'falling stars,' too!

Plan to stay late in the evening! You can leave early if needed, but Dr. Gómez is willing to stay a while longer, if there are night owls in the group.

Bring a light jacket or sweater - even summer evenings can get chilly at Hambidge! - and a camp chair or blanket to rest on while not actively viewing. If you prefer to bring your own telescope, you may. Also, bring water, a snack, and any medicines you might require, including an Epi-pen if you have severe allergic reactions.

Dr. Enrique Alberto Gómez teaches physics and astronomy at Western Carolina University. For research he studies supernovae, variable stars and exoplanets. He has also done research on cosmic rays and works with students to launch atmospheric balloons to the edge of space. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and his bachelors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He was born in Mexico City, speaks Spanish as his first language, enjoys cooking and playing games with his daughter on a Nintendo Switch.

The fee for this walk is $10 per person.
NOTE: In case of bad weather or overcast skies, the viewing will be postponed.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Hambidge has miles of hiking trails among an incredible biodiversity of meadows, streams, waterfalls, native plants and wildflowers, and a cove forest. Nature Rambles take place throughout the year. Led by experts in fields like botany, biology, ecology, geology, history, art, music and more, each Ramble is a fascinating lesson about our natural world.