Cadillac Mountain Star Party Scheduled For Late September

Welcome the fall season and look to the heavens above from coastal Maine's highest peak!

The 11th Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival will take place between Wednesday, September 25 and Sunday, September 29, as folks celebrate the starlit skies of Downeast Maine!

The highlight of the event will take place on the evening of Saturday, September 28, with the annual Star Party on the summit of Cadillac Mountain within Acadia National Park.

According to a press release, "50 volunteer astronomers and park rangers will available that night to describe constellations and other celestial objects visible with the naked eye and telescopes."  Hey, is that Santa?  No, much too early for that.

The best viewing will occur from 9 p.m. on.

You will not be able to drive directly to the summit, as all vehicles will be prohibited from the Star Party, unless they are used for people with disabilities (no reservations required).  Cadillac Mountain Road will be closed at 6:45 p.m., and there will be no parking along Eagle Lake Road.

Parking for this event will be available at Mount Desert Island High School, by reservation only.  The cost is $5 per vehicle.  Shuttle service to and from Cadillac will begin at 7:30 p.m. The last shuttle will leave the school at 9:30 p.m., and the last shuttle to leave the mountain will be at 11:15 p.m.  Pets, coolers, folding chairs, and tripods are not allowed on the shuttle.

Organizers urge the limited use of any flashlights to preserve the night sky. So dress warmly, as temperatures during the end of September average at times close to 40 degrees that time of the night.