Marvel at the views through an array of optical telescopes, including our 25″ Dobsonian, and see what a DARK sky actually looks like. Take a Sky Trek with us as we explore each of the visible planets. Visit a few of the Wonders of our Milky Way before we journey to one of our neighboring galaxies.  This event is designed for all ages, so bring the entire family.”

The summer skies will showcase Jupiter and Saturn.  Up to five of Jupiter's moons are often visible along with the characteristic bands.  Saturn's rings are always a sight to behold.  Several globular and open clusters, binary star systems, and other fascinating objects are also on the observing menu depending on sky conditions.  On evenings when the Moon is out, you will be able to observe its craters while holding 3D models of them.

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. the day of the event.  Gates will open one hour before the start of the event, and close one hour after the start of the event.

If you plan to use GPS for navigation to our site, be aware that many carriers have intermittent signal in PARI's vicinity, so queue up the directions ahead of time.  We have found Google Maps to provide the most reliable route to us when your use our address of 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC.

If inclement weather prevents the outdoor observations, this program will be cancelled and registrants will be notified by 4 p.m. the day of the event. PARI will apply any payment toward a later observing session, a different evening special program, or provide a refund upon request.

For additional information contact Chelena Blythe at cblythe@nullpari.edu or Sarah Chappell at schappell@nullpari.edu

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

Please join us on Friday, May 11^th, as we welcome Dr. Stella Kafka, Director of the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) to our campus. Dr. Kafka’s presentation will introduce our guests to some of the most common aspects of stellar variability and their significance in astrophysics. She will discuss their common light curves identifiers, and present work by AAVSO observers that has lead to cutting-edge scientific discoveries throughout the years. Dr. Kafka will conclude her presentation with how guests may participate in variable star observations from their very own backyard, contributing to the AAVSO International Database and to cutting-edge science. 

Prior to the presentation, we invite our guests to enjoy a relaxing dinner from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at PARI’s new restaurant, Smiley’s. At the conclusion of the presentation, guests will enjoy a campus tour and trip to PARI’s exhibit galleries. Weather permitting, the evening will conclude with a trip to our Sky Deck, where PARI astronomers and volunteers will point out the constellations and use PARI’s telescopes to view the night sky.

“We are very honored to have Dr. Kafka as our special guest for the evening.” said PARI Director of Learning Experiences Christi Whitworth. “Her amazing reputation within the scientific community and contributions to the field of astronomy as a researcher recognizes her as a leader within the industry.  We definitely view her presentation as a true gift to PARI and our visitors for the evening.”

The event will take place regardless of the weather, so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately and wear comfortable walking shoes. Each participant will also have the opportunity to have a photo taken with a PARI telescope and will receive a subscription to the PARI newsletter.

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. the day of the event. The cost is $20 per adult ($35 including dinner), $15 for seniors/military ($30 including dinner), $5 per child ages 6-10 ($13 including dinner). Children 5 and under are admitted free (dinner is free). For additional information contact Chelena Blythe at cblythe@nullpari.edu.

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

The Stargazing VIP Experience is designed to allow a small intimate group to work directly with an astronomical educator while they observe the night sky.

The evening will begin at our restaurant, Smiley's, where your educator will tell you about the history of our facilities while you enjoy dinner.

You will then move to our south observation deck to watch the sun set with 360 degree views of the Pisgah National Forest including views of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Once the skies become dark, the event will move to our sky deck where optical telescopes will be ready to provide stunning views of distant objects in the night sky.  We will select planets, nebulae, galaxies, stars, and clusters from the best of what the season has to offer.

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

Marvel at the views through an array of optical telescopes, including our 25″ Dobsonian, and see what a DARK sky actually looks like. Take a Sky Trek with us as we explore each of the visible planets. Visit a few of the Wonders of our Milky Way before we journey to one of our neighboring galaxies.  This event is designed for all ages, so bring the entire family.”

The summer skies will showcase Jupiter and Saturn.  Up to five of Jupiter's moons are often visible along with the characteristic bands.  Saturn's rings are always a sight to behold.  Several globular and open clusters, binary star systems, and other fascinating objects are also on the observing menu depending on sky conditions.  On evenings when the Moon is out, you will be able to observe its craters while holding 3D models of them.

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. the day of the event.  Gates will open one hour before the start of the event, and close one hour after the start of the event.

If you plan to use GPS for navigation to our site, be aware that many carriers have intermittent signal in PARI's vicinity, so queue up the directions ahead of time.  We have found Google Maps to provide the most reliable route to us when your use our address of 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC.

If inclement weather prevents the outdoor observations, this program will be cancelled and registrants will be notified by 4 p.m. the day of the event. PARI will apply any payment toward a later observing session, a different evening special program, or provide a refund upon request.

For additional information contact Chelena Blythe at cblythe@nullpari.edu or Sarah Chappell at schappell@nullpari.edu

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu

Sign up for the ultimate stargazing experience!

The Stargazer's Journey is designed to allow a small intimate group to work directly with an astronomical educator while they observe the night sky.

The evening will begin at our restaurant, Smiley's, where your educator will tell you about the history of our facilities while you enjoy dinner.

Registration is closed for this event.
For more information or questions, please email: info@nullpari.edu