At Wildcat Mountain State Park, the Northwest Suburban Astronomers captured this view of a meteor and an aurora.
Would you like to do some summer stargazing? With its dearth of light pollution, Wildcat Mountain State Park is considered an outstanding spot to get a more detailed look at the night sky.
To that end, the park will offer an astronomy program in August. Northwest Suburban Astronomers, based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., will present “Eclipse Mania: Observing the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse” at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Wildcat Mountain State Park ampitheater.
Club member Tom Auchter will offer an opportunity to learn about solar eclipses and the different types, why they occur, and what it’s like to see one.
Also, Auchter will share images and experiences from the 2010 total solar eclipse on Easter Island, plus he will give information on the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse in the United States.
After the program, visitors will be invited to view through club members’ telescopes in the group campground.
Another viewing opportunity will be offered at 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6: Visitors may view the sun through solar telescopes set up at the group campground.
For more information on these programs, stop in at the park office on Highway 33 east of Ontario.
