The Manitoulin Eco Park skies are bright with activities in 2024. The Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis are slowly building to a crescendo as we move towards the anticipated Solar Maximum in 2024 -2025.
Earth's Moon, while often dominating the darkness, seldom completely overwhelms the thousands of natural (and manmade) objects orbiting above.
To better appreciate and learn about this amazing panorama, the Manitoulin Eco-Park hosts a variety of fun, educational and nature-inspired events throughout the spring, summer and fall in our commercial Dark Sky preserve.
These events include our popular Perseid Meteor Shower presentations and Night Hikes, our regular weekend astronomy presentations with guest astronomers, academics and experts providing their commentary and custom, small group events targeted to the specific interests of our patrons.
All our edutainment events are open to the public whether they stay overnight at Manitoulin Eco Park camp sites or just drop in for the most spectacular Dark Sky show on the island, if not Ontario.
Sign Up for updates, join our Astronomy Club and check out our various DarkSky events below.
DarkSky Events 2024
See stars, planets, constellations and galaxies you definitely cannot see in the city and the Milky Way in such detail it will be like seeing them for the first time. Our Astronomy Nights are full of fun and learning for the whole family.
Semi-private session in our DarkSky Preserve with individualized attention from Astronomy Guides and extra time gazing through our professional grade telescope and binoculars.
An immersive adventure through our hardwood forest after dark, with a combined focus on nocturnal wildlife & orienting by stars. During this hike you will get to experience all the wonders our nighttime forest has to offer!
DarkSky Events
Orientation to the DarkSky Preserve, Campground & Observation Field
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The DarkSky Preserve or DSP includes an observation field plus campsites, the Stargazing Cabin, and Milky Way Bunkie for overnight guests. As a courtesy please keep voices low and cell phones on silent after sunset
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No white light is allowed in the DSP including no campfires, cell phone screens, or vehicle headlights.
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While we encourage event participants to walk without artificial light as much as possible, as a safety measure please be sure to bring your own flashlights and/or headlamps with AMBER or RED filters sufficient to colour and significantly dim the light shining through (you can attach cloth or cellophane paper with tape).
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Astronomy guides will be at the front and back of the group with amber or red light sources.
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On standard settings, cell phones should not be used as flashlights, or for taking pictures due to the white light of their screens and flashes. Alternatively, you can download an AMBER OR RED LIGHT app for your smartphone.
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No laser pointers of any kind or strength (other than in use by our astronomy staff).
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The DSP gate is closed to vehicles after sunset.
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During all astronomy events, for safety all guests should stay with their guide and the group at all times. If you need to leave the event early for any reason, please be sure to notify one of the astronomy guides before you go.