The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival will return to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks Sept. 25-27.

The festival, near Coos Bay, gives visitors the chance to learn about the night sky through a wide lineup of activities across three days.

Offerings will include guided hikes, interpretive programs, junior ranger programs and a night-sky photography workshop on the night of Sept. 25.

Each evening at 8 p.m., there will be a star party at Shore Acres, with telescope operators offering a guided tour of the night sky.

Park manager Lee Ricci said places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres are special "because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional."

A $10 parking permit is req

See Full Page