Astronomy at the Beach 2025 event details

The Astronomy at the Beach event is an annual public astronomy gathering held at Island Lake State Park in Brighton, Michigan. Organized by the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs (GLAAC), it offers free access to the public with hands-on telescope observing, keynote lectures, interactive exhibits, and presentations by professional and volunteer astronomers. This year’s event spans Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, featuring a focus on Saturn and planetary science. Attendees include families, students, educators, amateur astronomers, and NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors.

Above Photo Credit: Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs

Keynote speaker and special guests

The event features Brother Guy Consolmagno, Director of the Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, as the keynote speaker both nights. He will present insights from his career as a planetary scientist, including his work on meteorites, asteroids, and small bodies of the solar system.

Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J., is a Jesuit brother and planetary scientist with a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona. He is Director of the Vatican Observatory and has authored books bridging science and faith, including Turn Left at Orion and Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?. Known for his outreach and lectures, he inspires curiosity about the cosmos, and asteroid 4597 Consolmagno was named in his honor.

Additional talks and demonstrations are conducted by local astronomers, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors, and volunteers.

Hands-on observing and technology demonstrations

Attendees can observe celestial objects through telescopes set up in the field:

• Daytime Solar Observing – Solar telescopes display sunspots and prominences.
• Nighttime Sky Observing – Telescopes of all sizes for viewing the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and deep sky objects such as galaxies, clusters, and nebulae.
• Astrophotography and Smart Telescope Talks – Presentations by experts on capturing celestial images using modern equipment.

Raffle – DWARF 3 Smart Telescope

The DWARF 3 Smart Telescope is the grand prize for this year’s Astronomy at the Beach raffle, sponsored by DWARF LAB. This compact and versatile telescope supports both astronomical and terrestrial observation, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.

The telescope features two lenses: a 150mm telephoto lens for detailed views of the Moon, Sun, Milky Way, galaxies, and nebulae, and a 6.7mm wide-angle lens for wide-field imaging. Its advanced imaging capabilities allow high-resolution astrophotography, panoramic photos, and clear observation of both celestial and terrestrial subjects.

Raffle tickets will be available at the GLAAC club tent during the event on September 26 and 27 at Island Lake State Park, giving participants the chance to win this innovative telescope. The DWARF 3 demonstrates how portable, user-friendly technology is making astrophotography and space observation accessible to a wider audience.
 

Photo Credit: Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs

Interactive exhibits and simulators at Astronomy at the Beach 2025

• Gemini Rocket Simulator – Operated by Jeff MacLeod, this simulator gives participants a hands-on experience of spacecraft operation and rocket dynamics. Visitors can pilot a virtual Gemini spacecraft, practice orbital maneuvers, and understand the physics of launching, orbiting, and docking in space. The simulator combines realistic controls, visual displays, and feedback systems to replicate the challenges astronauts face.
• Astronomy Club Tables – Local astronomy clubs provide educational resources, demonstrations, and guidance. Volunteers answer questions, share observing tips, and provide information about ongoing astronomy events, club memberships, and star parties.
• Hands-on activities – “How to Make a Comet” and other science demonstrations by Michigan Science Center. The Michigan Science Center is a nonprofit science museum and educational organization in Detroit, Michigan. It provides interactive STEM exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and educational programs designed for children, students, and families. Their participation at Astronomy at the Beach adds a layer of engaging, accessible science education, supporting the event’s goal of connecting attendees with astronomy and broader scientific concepts.

Beach astronomy event schedule

Friday, September 26

• 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Solar observing with astronomers at the telescope field
• 7:00 – 7:30 PM: How to Make a Comet and other activities by the Michigan Science Center
• 7:45 – 8:45 PM: Keynote lecture by Brother Guy Consolmagno
• 8:30 – 11:30 PM: Night sky observing with telescopes of all sizes
• 9:00 – 9:50 PM: Smart telescopes and astrophotography talk by Sean Pickard
• 10:30 – 11:30 PM: Laser tour of the night sky

Saturday, September 27

• 4:00 – 6:00 PM: Solar observing with astronomers at the telescope field
• 7:00 – 7:30 PM: How to Make a Comet and other activities by the Michigan Science Center
• 7:45 – 8:45 PM: Keynote lecture by Brother Guy Consolmagno
• 8:30 – 11:30 PM: Night sky observing with telescopes of all sizes
• 9:00 – 9:50 PM: Smart telescopes and astrophotography talk by Sean Pickard
• 10:30 – 11:30 PM: Laser tour of the night sky

Food and parking

• Food and drink – Provided by Civil Air Patrol unit 437, including pizza, snacks, soft drinks, and water.
• Parking – Free event access, but a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. Annual stickers can also be purchased at the park gate.

Location and facilities

The event takes place at Island Lake State Park, 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116, with telescopes, exhibits, and activity tents arranged across the main observing field. The setting provides both accessibility and favorable dark-sky conditions for observing planets and deep sky objects.

About the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs

The Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs (GLAAC) is a loose association of amateur astronomy clubs and educational institutions in Southeastern Michigan. Members collaborate to provide enjoyable, family-oriented activities focused on astronomy and space sciences. Their mission is to learn about the cosmos, educate others through talks and star parties, and share expertise with local schools, scout groups, and other organizations. By combining community outreach with hands-on learning, GLAAC promotes curiosity, knowledge, and engagement in astronomy, making the science of the universe accessible and inspiring for enthusiasts of all ages.

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