As Alabama's population has moved to more urban and suburban areas, the opportunity for effective sky gazing has decreased.
More man-made lights mean less ability to see the moon, stars, meteors, rockets and other nighttime wonders.
Local astronomers, professional and amateur, have discovered what they call "the darkest skies on the Gulf Coast." They are at Big Lagoon State Park on the Alabama-Florida state line.
The park's positioning shields it from the lights of Gulf Coast businesses and homes.
The best times to go to the lagoon and gaze are at the first quarter moon and the third quarter moon.
From now through March 2025, each weekend of a first quarter moon and third quarter moon will offer assisted sky gazing called "Winter Sky Gazes."
The gazes are free, but the park's standard $6 admission fee is in effect.
The next Winter Sky Gaze is this Saturday. Learn more here.
The December 21 gaze features the peak of the annual Ursid Meteor shower, the last major meteor shower of 2024. At the peak, gazers may be able to view as many as 10 meteors per hour.
Here is the explanation of the lagoon sky gazing from the organizer, Dr. Wayne Wooten:
We will set up telescopes for viewing the moon, planets, and deep sky objects, clear skies permitting. We will also pass out current star charts and conduct sky interpretation sessions to acquaint beginners with the constellations.
Future Winter Sky Gazes are:
January 4, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
January 18, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
February 8, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
February 22, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
March 8, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
March 22, 2025: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm EST
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies show His handiwork.
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
