A partial lunar eclipse will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts a shadow on the moon. A partial eclipse means that the moon is only partially covered by the shadow. It looks like it's "taking a bite" out o the lunar surface. On Thursday, August 27, 2026, celebrate the partial lunar eclipse with a special evening at Morehead Planetarium, 250 E … [Read more...] about Partial Lunar Eclipse Skywatching Event at Morehead Planetarium Sep 17
skywatching
Free Star Party at Burwell School Historic Site in Hillsborough Aug. 28
Burwell School Historic Site, at 319 N Churton Street, Hillsborough, North Carolina, is hosting a Star Party on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a FREE event. CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observing Society) will provide telescopes and expertise to help you explore the skies. Just bring a blanket and come and enjoy this free event on the front lawn. Then, make sure … [Read more...] about Free Star Party at Burwell School Historic Site in Hillsborough Aug. 28
First Friday Under the Stars with Raleigh Astronomy Club and Triangle Land Conservancy Aug. 7
In general, on the first Friday of the month, Raleigh Astronomy Club hosts a sky viewing session at Triangle Land Conservancy nature preserves. Raleigh Astronomy Club will have their telescopes and can guide you as you explore the night sky. What you'll see at each event will change according to the earth's position that night. However, in some months the event happens on Saturday or a … [Read more...] about First Friday Under the Stars with Raleigh Astronomy Club and Triangle Land Conservancy Aug. 7
Views from the Durham: Skywatching from the rooftop July 21
The Durham Hotel, 315 E Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina, boasts a rooftop bar with great downtown views. The Roof has both a covered area and an open air section. While you take in the view, enjoy craft cocktails, a fresh NC raw bar and seasonal small plates. In addition, it hosts many events, which you can find on their website. Views from the Durham Views from the Durham is … [Read more...] about Views from the Durham: Skywatching from the rooftop July 21
Stargazing with Raleigh Astronomy Club from Hartwell Rooftop June 4
The Raleigh Astronomy Club will be at Hartwell Raleigh, 620 W South Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, to lead a stargazing session on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m. This is a free event. Drinks will be available for purchase. They'll have their telescopes set up for you to look through, and will be able to answer questions about the sky. … [Read more...] about Stargazing with Raleigh Astronomy Club from Hartwell Rooftop June 4
Film and skywatching at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion April 24
Silver Screen & Starry Skies: Apollo 13 is a free event at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion, 5235 N Roxboro Road, Durham, North Carolina, on April 24, 2026, from 8 to 11 p.m. Although it's free, registration is required. Bring your blankets, chairs, and friends as we gather under the night sky to watch the film Apollo 13 (1995). This film dramatizes the true story of the 1970 … [Read more...] about Film and skywatching at West Point Environmental Education Pavilion April 24
Free skywatching at Little River Regional Park March 20
Morehead Planetarium + Science Center frequently facilitates skywatching sessions, during which guests can look through telescopes at the night sky and learn about what they're seeing. Sometimes Morehead Planetarium is joined by other groups, who also help with the event. In general these are free events. Upcoming Skywatching Events Skywatching at Little River Regional ParkFriday, March … [Read more...] about Free skywatching at Little River Regional Park March 20
Art in Bloom Stargazing Community Night at NC Museum of Art March 14
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and the Raleigh Astronomy Club are joining up for a night of sky watching in the Museum Park at North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. It takes place Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This special stargazing event is a celebration of NCMA's Art in Bloom exhibition. It celebrates the zodiac theme of … [Read more...] about Art in Bloom Stargazing Community Night at NC Museum of Art March 14
Guest Nights at the Morehead Observatory at UNC Chapel Hill
On the fourth floor of the East side of the Morehead Planetarium complex, at 250 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is the Morehead Observatory. The Morehead Observatory is an astronomical observatory with a Perkin-Elmer telescope. Chapel Hill undergraduate and graduate students use it to obtain data for their research and to prepare themselves to use the telescopes at national … [Read more...] about Guest Nights at the Morehead Observatory at UNC Chapel Hill
Stargazing in the Triangle — how to get started, where to go, and upcoming events
Have you wondered how to get started with stargazing in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle? You'll have a great start with this guide written by Xiao-Ming Porter, who was, at the time, an undergraduate student employee at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn where to go for skywatching or stargazing, what to look for in the sky, tools that will help you identify … [Read more...] about Stargazing in the Triangle — how to get started, where to go, and upcoming events
