Statewide Star Party: Davidson College
Saturday, April 9, 2022
6:00 pm- 10:00 pm
On the campus of Davidson College
Come explore the wonders of astronomy and the night sky with your family and friends by joining us for the three events described below*. Please stay for all three, or feel free to come for just one or two. As a host for the NC Science Festival’s annual Statewide Star Party, our theme for all events is “Understanding the Universe,” with a focus on science and engineering related to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. As always, our events are FREE and open to the public!
*Please note that all sessions are planned to be outdoors and are weather/pandemic permitting. The rescheduling and/or relocation of all events to indoor spaces will depend upon the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and Davidson College COVID guidelines. All guests of the College for this event will be required to strictly adhere to the College’s masking policies and other social distancing guidelines. For updates about the status of each of our events and the College’s policies, please check this site closer to the event. All weather updates are published in a section further down on this site.
Outdoor activity fair
Public Lecture
The Path Toward the James Webb Space TelescopeDr. Jason Ybarra, Davidson College
Masks are requested for indoor spaces
Public Stargazing
CANCELLED DUE TO THE FORECASTED CLOUDS, WINDS, AND COLD
Public Lecture Details
Title: The Path Toward the James Webb Space Telescope
Speaker: Dr. Jason Ybarra, Davidson College
Abstract: Astronomical telescopes, from Galileo's observations of the night sky to the commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), have expanded and clarified our view of the Universe and our place in it. Along this path, innovations and discoveries have revolutionized our knowledge and advanced our technology.
Unfortunately, we cannot set up the outdoor projection system on the lawn as originally planned due to the forecast high winds. We are currently exploring the possibility of moving the lecture indoors. Please check back for additional updates regarding the status of this portion of our event. If moved indoors, the lecture will be in Dana 146 and masks will be required for all guests. If you are unsure of where to find the the Dana Science Building, please see the campus map.
Weather / Event Updates
Any updates to the event will be posted to this webpage as soon as they are available. This includes weather updates, in the case of cloudy skies or rainy conditions.
Saturday 4/9, 2:00 pm: The final status of all three events is as follows:
Activity Fair: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, as originally scheduled, in the Blanch Knox Parker Esplanade, located between the Dana and Watson science buildings. Masks optional.
Public Lecture: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm in Dana 146. We request that all guests wear masks in indoor spaces.
Stargazing: Cancelled due to forecast cloud cover.
Bring your family and friends and join us for a fun-filled evening!
Saturday 4/9, 12:00 pm: Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel the stargazing portion of our event due to forecast cloud cover, winds, and cold temperatures. We will also need to cancel the outdoor public lecture due to the high winds. We are currently exploring the possibility of moving the lecture indoors. Please stay tuned for further updates!
Saturday 4/9, 10:30 am: Today is the day! We are continuing to monitor the forecast for wind (which may affect our ability to hold our outdoor public lecture) and cloud cover (which may impact our planned stargazing session). An update about the status of each event will be posted here once go or no-go decisions are made. Please continue to check back here throughout the day!
Wednesday 4/6: As of now, the weather looks to be dry but chilly. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket! The forecast is calling for some clouds throughout the day, so stay tuned for updates regarding the status of the stargazing session.
Where you can find us
Davidson College
405 N Main Street
Davidson, NC 28035
All events will be held on the campus of Davidson College. All guests of the College are required to follow the College's COVID guidelines. Please review these guidelines prior to your visit.
For visitors, on-campus parking is available in Baker Sports Complex off Baker Drive. Other public parking may be available on Main Street or Concord Road. Parking areas are labeled on the College's campus map.
