6:15 PM to 9:00 PM
In celebration of the Third Annual Lake Huron Discovery Tour, Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan are co-hosting a Harvest Moon Dark Sky Cruise. Northeast Michigan has some of the best dark sky viewing in the country with three state-designated Dark Sky Preserves along the shores of Lake Huron. This will be an extra special night since the large Harvest Moon will start rising as the sun sets.
As part of the ticket package, the evening will begin at 6:15p.m. in the Besser Museum's Planetarium where participants will get a 20 minute preview of the Dark Sky that they will be observing aboard the 'Lady Michigan,' presented by Thaddeus LaCoursiere, Besser Museum Digital Dome Program Coordinator.
Ticket holders should be at the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center boarding area along the Thunder Bay River side by 6:45p.m. to board the 'Lady Michigan.' Passengers will be able to watch the sun set at 7:04p.m. and shortly after watch the October Harvest moon rise.
To ensure the best dark sky exploration experience for all, only 60 tickets will be available for the event. The program on the boat will include two sessions on the upper deck for 30 people at a time. Hot apple cider, donuts, and other fall favorites will be served on the heated lower deck, along with maritime and star-gazing music and trivia. Michigan wine and beer will be available for sale.
Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at alpenashipwrecktours.com, at the Sanctuary Store or by phone: 989-884-6200.
Prelude: 6:15 pm
Besser Museum Planetarium, 491 Johnson St, Alpena, MI 49707
Cruise Boarding: 6:45 pm
NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 West Fletcher St., Alpena, MI 49707