Take the free “Shuttle to the Stars” from Mount Desert Island High School
BAR HARBOR, MAINE - The Star Party on Cadillac Mountain will take place from 8 to 11 pm on Saturday, September 12, with a free “Shuttle to the Stars” departing from Mount Desert Island High School. The public is invited to drop in at any time during the program to visit with volunteer astronomers who will describe constellations and other night sky features visible with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. The best star viewing time will be after 9 pm.
The road going up to Cadillac Mountain will be closed to all traffic (except those that need parking for persons with disabilities) at 6:45 pm so visitors must use the shuttle to attend the event. Starting at 7:30 pm, the shuttle will run continuously between Mount Desert Island High School (located at 1081 Eagle Lake Road/Route 233) in Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain. The line for boarding the shuttle will form in the high school gym, and restrooms will be available. The last shuttle will depart Mount Desert Island High School at 10 pm, and the last shuttle will depart Cadillac Mountain at 11:15 pm.
The Mount Desert Island Regional School System, NorthEast Charter & Tour Co., and Oli’s Trolley have generously donated transportation services to make the free shuttle possible.
Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and minimize flashlight use to preserve night vision. If available, visitors should use a red night vision flashlight or cover a standard flashlight with red cellophane. The Summit Center gift shop and restrooms at the top of Cadillac Mountain will be open during the event.
Please note that dogs and other pets are not allowed. Call 207-200-1536 to find out if this event has been cancelled due to weather.
The Star Party on Cadillac Mountain is a highlight of the 7th Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival, which will take place in Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula from September 10 to 14. The Acadia Night Sky Festival is a community celebration to promote the protection and enjoyment of Downeast Maine’s stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through education, science and the arts. The festival will feature more than 30 programs, including a fun run, story-telling, workshops, lectures, films, boat cruises, arts and crafts, and, of course, stargazing. For a complete schedule and description of activities, please visit www.acadianightskyfestival.org.
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