Astronomy

Astronomy Adventures in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Summer is the perfect time for adventures and discovery! In Oakland County, the night sky presents a constant source of wonder and awe. There are many fun ways to delve a little deeper into the world of astronomy because the county is well equipped with observatories, planetariums, and astronomy clubs.

Find the best places in and around Oakland County to view the stars with our interactive star gazing map and grab a telescope to observe the worlds above us. Check out the cavernous craters of the Moon, the massive mountains nestled on Mars, or the rings on Saturn radiating light into the night sky. The possibilities for discovery are endless.

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How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Find the perfect spot to ‪stargaze tonight and through the weekend for a glimpse of the ‪Perseid Meteor Shower‬ with our interactive Stargazing‪‎ Map‬. Scientists are predicting roughly 200 meteors per hour, the best show since its last showing in 2009.

Peak times to view the ‪meteor shower‬ are expected in the late evening and predawn hours tonight. Stay up past 1 a.m. and you may get the best show! The meteor shower is expected to last through the weekend.

Skygazing Map 3

Use our interactive ‪‎Stargazing‬ map for the best locations in ‪‎Oakland County‬, including your local park, to view the meteor shower! Find a spot with low light pollution near you, and look to the North for the best show tonight or this weekend.

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Shoot for the stars at the Cranbrook Institute of Science

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

It’s an airy space with a number of chairs placed in a circle.

As the Cranbrook Acheson Planetarium darkens and the large dome-like ceiling gives way to the night sky, guests experience a unique view of the universe. With a 360 degree experience and a 5.1 surround sound system, visitors are visually launched into space for a very real and up close look.

Acheson

Get an even closer look at the Cranbrook Observatory, where a large dome facility houses three research-grade telescopes, giving you clear views of the brightest stars and planets.

The Cranbrook Institute of Science, located in Bloomfield Hills, gives you a front row seat and the closest view, without venturing into space yourself.

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Dark Sky Week is ‘Out of this World’

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

The air is damp and the night is clear. When the sun finally retires, it gives way to billions of stars that illuminate the dark night sky. When the clouds clear, take time to recognize International Dark Sky Week, April 4-10, 2016.

This worldwide event takes place around Earth Day and Astronomy Day. Those who celebrate, aim to shed light on the issues associated with light pollution, while promoting easy ways to correct it. It’s also a great time to learn about our world, and the universe around it.

Take a peek through a telescope, hone in on your craft skills and learn a few things about light pollution. Don’t miss an opportunity to peer up at the Milky Way galaxy, trace the constellations or wait for a shooting star. Whatever you hope to do, you can do right in your own backyard.

Oakland County is home to many observatories and astronomy clubs where you can snag a front row seat to an “Out of this World Experience.“

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