INTERSTELA TAKEOVER: ASTRO FEST EVENT PROGRAM 

Monday, July 14: Arrival + Evening Kickoff
(ALL PRESENTATIONS TAKE PLACE IN THE FORESTVIEW PAVILION)

*A DINNER TICKET MUST BE PURCHASED TO ATTEND OPENING CEREMONY & ASTRONOMY 101 SESSION*

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks from Long Point Eco-Adventures, Introductions, schedule overview, and dinner.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM:  Astronomy 101: A Scientist’s Guide to the Universe (by Dr. Parshati Patel)

Join an astrophysicist for a beginner-friendly dive into the wonders of space, planets, stars, galaxies, and how we explore the cosmos. A crash course in how the universe works, with just the right amount of science!

8:15 PM - 9:15 PM: What’s in the Night Sky & Helpful Apps
(by Katelyn Beecroft)

Learn how to get started in observational astronomy by finding your way around the night sky. This beginner-friendly sky tour will help you with finding constellations and objects in the night sky using aids such as a planisphere and sky guide apps.

9:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Stargazing / Sky Tour

If cloudy: Astronomy Trivia

Tuesday, July 15: daytime learning + night sky imaging 
(ALL PRESENTATIONS TAKE PLACE IN THE FORESTVIEW PAVILION)

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Chasing the Lights: The Science and Photography of Auroras
(by Dr. Parshati Patel and Andrea Girones)

Join us to explore the science behind auroras, what causes them, why they appear in different colours, and why we’ve been seeing them more often in recent years. This session will answer these questions and more, and will also include practical tips for capturing auroras with your camera.

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Your First Telescope: What to Know Before You Buy
(by Ashley Northcotte and Kate Beecroft)

Thinking about buying your first telescope but not sure where to start?
This beginner-friendly session will walk you through everything you need to know before making your first big astronomy purchase. Learn the different types of telescopes, what features matter, and what to avoid so you don’t end up with a dusty scope in the closet. You’ll get honest recommendations, tips for matching your telescope to your interests, and advice to help you start exploring the night sky with confidence.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM:  Solar Observing and Photography (by Andrea Girones)

Learn how to observe and image the Sun safely and creatively.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break 

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Social Time / Solar Viewing

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM:  Night Sky Photography with Your Phone (by Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn)

The basics of night sky photography and tips and tricks on how to get started with your cell phone.

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM: Finding Dark Skies: An Introduction to Light Pollution (by Ashley Northcotte)

Have you ever looked up and wondered where the stars went?
This beginner-friendly talk introduces the issue of light pollution, what it is, why it matters, and what we can do about it. You’ll learn how artificial light at night impacts wildlife, human health, astronomy, and our connection to nature. Through visuals and real-world examples, discover how protecting the night sky can benefit our communities and how you can help bring back the stars.

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner / Free Time

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Combatting Light Pollution in Your Community (by Tammy Foley) 

Tips for advocacy, lighting audits, and community awareness

8:15 PM - 9:00 PM: Door Prize Draw

Notes: Attendees must be present to win. LPEA team will be capturing footage to share on social media

9:15 PM onward: Night Sky Observation / Casual stargazing

Wednesday, July 16: Wrap up + Q&A 
(ALL PRESENTATIONS TAKE PLACE IN THE FORESTVIEW PAVILION)

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM:  Ask the Experts Q&A Panel (All Presenters)

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT? COntact Us 

1730 Front Rd. 
St. Williams ON
N0E 1P0

1 (877)-743-8687
info@lpfun.ca