Annual Stargazing Party Coming to Cedar Key

ANNUAL STARGAZING PARTY COMING TO CEDAR KEY
-State parks join the celebration with special events-

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection`s Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve and Cedar Key Museum State Park will host National Stars-n-Parks Programs
January 31- February 4, 2011.

Amateur astronomers are coming to town and bringing their high-powered telescopes for a week long stargazing event and Cedar Key is one of the few places in the nation with skies dark enough to host. This is a Public Education Astronomy Program given by volunteers. Activities are designed to stimulate interest in astronomy and to educate the public about advantages of protecting the night sky from light pollution.

Events will include:

Public Stargazing and Slide Shows
Cedar Key Museum State Park
12231 SW 166 Court
Cedar Key, Florida
Monday, January 31 and Friday, February 4, 7:00 p.m.
The astronomers will host two nights of Public Stargazing and Slide Shows at the Cedar Key Museum State Park. The slide show begins at 7:00 p.m. with stargazing to follow. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for this event.

Stargazing Hayride
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Wednesday, February 2, 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Enjoy a ranger and astronomer guided hayride through Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve for a nighttime glimpse of this natural area, including binocular stargazing and interpretation. There will be two hayrides, one at 6:45 p.m. and one at 8:45 p.m. Reservations are required and space is limited. This event is free. The hayrides will depart from the Cedar Key Scrub picnic area on SR 24, five miles east of Cedar Key. This event may be rescheduled for Thursday, February 3 in case of inclement weather.

For more information and to make reservations, call (352) 543-5567. If you require assistance in order to participate in this event, please inform park staff when making reservations. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org.