Star Party

Come join the Selkirk Alliance for Science and the Pend Oreille County Library for a Star Party!

We will gather at the Indian Creek Community Forest 1802 Indian Creek Road, Newport, WA 99156 to learn about the fall constellations and view the stars using a high power telescope. Feel free to bring binoculars and chairs.

This is a quiet, dog free, family friendly event guided by local Astronomer, Sandy Nichols. We will be guests on Kalispel Tribal land and need to leave no trash or damage behind.

Check this page the day of the event after 5pm. As with any outdoor events Smoke, clouds or other issues could cause us to cancel. We will update here and on our Facebook page by 5pm.

The front gate will be open at 9pm, visitors will be asked to park in the adjacent visitor parking area. We will walk from the parking area to the classroom building or telescope pad. Persons with mobility problems can drive to the parking area located near the classroom. 

In the classroom a 5 minute video describing what will be seen that night will be playing on the big screen. The video will be looped which means people can start viewing it at any time. If you are a few minutes late you can just head to the classroom and wait for the video to loop back to the start.

At 10:15, Astronomer Sandy Nichols will begin a laser guided sky tour which will last 15 – 20 minutes in the field in front of the astronomy shed. This will be followed by telescope viewing.

Use of flashlights should be limited. Please keep flashlights and cell phones screens off.

If sky conditions (clouds, smoke) appear to be unacceptable we will let you know no later than 5pm on the 9th. If the sky is overcast the event will be cancelled.