Free ‘Night Sky Over Cottonwood Canyon’ Dark Skies Presentation and Night Telescope Viewing

Night Sky Over Cottonwood Canyon, a free presentation and night telescope viewing by Dark Skies leader and Gorge Chapter member Mike McKeag, will be held at Cottonwood Canyon, State Park (near Wasco, Oregon) on Saturday, Sept. 12, beginning at 7:00 PM.

The evening will begin with a short presentation by park ranger, Stan Petersen, on light pollution, followed by Mike’s presentation linking objects in that night’s sky with historical and geological events. Mike will describe the stages of twilight, and then some of the night sky objects’ distances form us, when the light we observe that night started on its way to us, and their availability for observation as the sky darkens.

He’ll then relate that time to events in human or geological history, such as the geological history exposed in the canyon walls. For more distant objects the events are geological. The last event is emplacement of the Grand Ronde basalts exposed in the canyon walls of Cottonwood Canyon (~16 mya), corresponding to the departure time of light from the spiral galaxy M94, 16 M light years distant.

The presentations will end as we are entering nautical twilight and brighter stars are beginning to appear. Rose City Astronomers volunteers will be there with their telescopes, sharing views of these and other objects available to view that night, as well as pointing out several of the constellations that will be visible.

This event is free and open to the public, with attendees of all ages welcome. Pre-registration, however is required and free overnight tent camping will be available in the Day Use Area for this event.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a popular, certified International Dark Sky Park with several hiking paths, interesting geology, birding and other flora and fauna. The park straddles the lower John Day River so there’s good fishing and a boat launch access at J.S. Burres just across the river. You can take advantage of this opportunity to explore an exceptional area.

Note: Cottonwood Canyon State Park is remote. There is no food, fuel or other services nearby. Please plan ahead thoughtfully for your trip.
Star Party may be cancelled if bad weather or lack of volunteers with telescopes are not available.