What is a Dark Sky Park? EMMET COUNTY, MICHIGAN From the Dark Sky Park Heading Headlands It is a park or other protected public land possessing ex- to Program Director ceptional starry skies and natural nocturnal habitat where light pollution is mitigated and natural darkness is valuable 15675 Headlands Road DARK SKY PARK Mary Stewart Adams as an important educational, cultural, scientific and natural Mackinaw City, MI 49701 resource. The designation is made by the International n ages gone by, community life was organized around the Dark-Sky Association in Tucson, Ariz. (www.darksky.org) General, program info: (231) 348-1704 at the Headlands observance of celestial phenomena, so it was natural that How many such parks are there? Guest House reservations: (231) 436-4051 the sites where this observ- Michigan’s International Dark Sky Park! I In 2011, Headlands was one of only nine international [email protected] ing took place became the dark sky parks worldwide, six of which were in the U.S. locations where life’s most Due to public demand for greater access to natural dark- significant moments were ness, as well as the success of the IDA’s Dark Sky Park celebrated. This was the way that program, there are now over 40 such parks worldwide, and former cultures honored the role the number is growing! For the most up-to-date list, please of the human being within the visit www.darksky.org, where you can also pledge your larger cosmic rhythm, not merely support. Emmet County’s Headlands property remains the by thinking human beings lived only internationally designated dark sky park in Michigan. at the center, but by recognizing What will I find at the Headlands? Inside: 2017 Dark Sky Park the role of cosmic rhythms in • 600 acres of pristine, old-growth forest; program schedule! centering the activity of human life. At Headlands, we strive • 4 1/2 miles of trails (year ‘round, non-motorized use); to be stewards of this tradition through our programming, • A self-guided cell phone tour, plus the Dark Sky recognizing that an experience of Emmet County’s majestic Discovery Trail of planetary stations highlighting astronomical and cultural discoveries throughout history; shoreline landscape can inspire an equally significant • 2 1/2 miles of frontage on Lake Michigan, where an contemplation in each of us of the universe within. It is our estimated 80+ shipwrecks lie; The Headlands is located hope that when you visit Headlands, you will come to know • One overnight residence for rent, accommodating 20+ 2 miles west of downtown the inner harmony that results from surrendering to this • The NEW Waterfront Event Center opening June 2017! Mackinaw City, Emmet County natural wonder all around us. Complete rental details: MIdarkskypark.org in Northwest Lower Michigan. What can I see overhead at the park? Mary can be reached at (231) 348-1713 or email The Headlands is located north of the 45th parallel, which [email protected] means it is closer to the North Pole than the equator, affording exceptional views of the five North ‘circumpolar’ constellations including Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cassiopeia and Cepheus. The Milky Way, major meteor showers, solar and lunar eclipses and comets are all vis- ible from the Headlands. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are also visible in Northern Michigan, though difficult to predict. They seem to Admission into the park, including access to be more prevalent at the times of Equinox (late March and September). Scientists believe they are caused by electro- the shoreline viewing area and trails, is free of magnetic storms on the Sun. Go to NASA’s web site, charge, and many programs are also free. A www.spaceweather.com, for updates. few of the 2017 programs will require a paid Visit our Facebook page for daily updates; for complete admission, as indicated on the other side of this On the cover and background: Aurora at Headlands, park and program info: MIdarkskypark.org brochure. Scott Castelein/Lake Street Media www.MIdarkskypark.org 2017 Dark Sky Park events John Hill Photography Heads Up at headlands MONDAY, AUG. 21 SATURDAY, MARCH 18 night sky with the talented John Hill, who has been capturing the starry skies over Headlands in rare style! THE GREAT AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE The Headlands is open 24 hours a day, every day, at no CATCH A FALLING STAR ... ON CAMERA! charge. Visitors are welcomed to stay through the night for Reservations are required at (231) 348-1713. $ 2 p.m. Waterfront Event Center 4-8 p.m. Guest House dark-sky viewing (camping units are not permitted). Dress for If you aren’t able to get into the path of totality for the temperatures 10 degrees below what you expect. This is a Night sky and aurora photographer extraordinaire Shawn SATURDAY, MAY 20 biggest celestial event of the year, you can view part of it protected wilderness area, which means no white light is Malone is back by popular demand for an exciting hands- PREPARING FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE through the solar telescope at Headlands but PLEASE allowed in the viewing area and observance of the natural on lecture and workshop, just as Spring Equinox approach- 7:30-8:30 p.m., Waterfront Event Center, with special guest NOTE: Only a partial eclipse will be visible from Headlands. quiet is requested. Visitors can use the park at any time for es and the aurora get more active! Reservations required at Join a virtual interview with author Dr. Tyler Nordgren, stargazing or trail exploration; below are programs that are (231) 348-1713. $ Professor of Physics and Astronomy, known widely through SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 also open to the public. FRIDAY, APRIL 7 his poster art and programs with National Park Service. $ AUTUMN EQUINOX IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN 7-9 p.m. Waterfront Event Center Of special note: BEYOND THE TELESCOPE THURSDAY, JUNE 22 ■ Construction of the Waterfront Event Center and observa- 8-10 p.m. NEW Waterfront Event Center Observatory The balance has been struck and at tonight’s program we will follow Sun and Moon across the western horizon into the tory continues through June 2017. Since Headlands remains Headlands partners with Michigan State University and GRAND OPENING OF THE WATERFRONT story and wonder of the growing dark. open during construction, this portion of the property is closed organizations around the Great Lakes State to celebrate EVENT CENTER! to public access, and parking is limited to the entrance. The Statewide Astronomy Night (SWAN) at our observatory Time TBA FRIDAY, OCT. 6 viewing area is one mile from the parking area and guests must facility, to preview the Roger McCormick 20″ PlaneWave Celebrate the influence of the stars in the cultural life of HARVEST MOON AT HEADLANDS be prepared to walk this one mile in and out of the site unless telescope for peering deeply into the sky. humanity and the natural wonders of Emmet County at the 7-10 p.m. Waterfront Event Center otherwise noted in program descriptions. grand of opening the Waterftont Event Center and Obser- FRIDAY, APRIL 21 It’s the season of Harvest Moon - a time to dance and ■ Programs take place rain or shine and no reservations are vatory, with music, fine art, great food, and special guests! celebrate the bounty of Earth and the shining stars! $ required unless otherwise noted. OUTDOOR LIGHTING FORUM ANNUAL LUNCHEON 12-1:30 p.m. Location, details TBA $ ■ Several programs in 2017 require a ticket, as indicated by SATURDAY, JULY 1 SATURDAY, OCT. 21 the $ sign. Fees will vary. Admission into the park is free. FRIDAY, APRIL 21 NATURE’S FIREWORKS WITH THE GIANTS 9TH ANNUAL HEADLANDS CHALLENGE! INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK 9-11 p.m. Waterfront Event Center 8-10 p.m. Park entrance to Waterfront Event Center SATURDAY, JAN. 28 8-10 p.m. NEW Waterfront Event Center The Roman gods Saturn and Jupiter were known to the Not only do we dare you to walk a candlelit mile through the Ancient Greeks as Cronus and Zeus, a father and son with starry woods, this year “walk like an Egyptian” in honor of DARKEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WITH WINTER’S MOON Kick off International Dark Sky Week under the falling stars of the Lyrid Meteor Shower at Headlands, where story and a dynamic fate that lends itself to celebrating a summer the constellation Orionand the peak of his Meteor Shower 5-7 p.m. Guest House song will accompany guests into the night! weekend of fireworks. Peek through our telescope to view this weekend. January’s New Moon carries the promise of deep darkness the Saturn giant and his Olympian son, Jupiter. FRIDAY, NOV.17 for finding the stars and constellations that are used to FRIDAY, APRIL 28 determine the celestial new year, not only in the Chinese FRIDAY, JULY 28 LEONID METEOR SHOWER Calendar, but in the Native American and Christian CLOSING CELEBRATION OF DARK SKY WEEK 8-10 p.m. Waterfront Event Center cultures as well. We’ll follow with winter stargazing. Time, location TBA DELTA AQUARID METEOR SHOWER The Lion shakes out his starry mane overnight Friday the With waxing crescent Moon hung at the water’s edge, 9-11 p.m. Waterfront Event Center 17th to Saturday the 18th, so we will gather early for our SATURDAY, FEB. 11 tonight is an ideal night to spend at Headlands, taking The waxing crescent Moon sets a romantic stage for a program and then guests can stay late under the dark THE ROMANCE OF THE STARS photos, holding hands, and wishing on the stars that give beautiful summer shower of falling stars.