Only one-third of the world’s people can see the Milky Way—our home galaxy—because of urban light pollution. But here in Acadia it shines brightly on clear, moonless nights. The collective glow of its 300+ billion stars arches from horizon to horizon.

Amateur astronomer Richard Luecke will explain our current understanding of the Milky Way and our place in it. His image-enhanced indoor presentation will acquaint you with some the galaxy’s most stunning features and what we are learning about newly discovered planets—currently numbering 4,300–orbiting other stars.

We will meet in Moore Auditorium on Schoodic Institute’s campus first. Weather permitting, you will be invited outdoors for a laser-guided tour of Maine’s stunning night sky and viewing of star clusters, nebulae and far distant galaxies through a large astronomical telescope.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and dress warmer than you’d think necessary.

$15 admission. Please register online at https://schoodicinstitute.org/event/welcome-to-the-milky-way-5/

Visit schoodicinstitute.org/events for additional Downeast Night Sky Festival events at Schoodic Institute, offered between September 3rd-10th.