Stars, planets align at Hurricane Ridge event

Visitors to Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park will have the chance to gaze into the night sky during astronomy programs in the next several weeks.

Volunteer astronomers will have telescopes set up to allow participants to look at planets, galaxies and other celestial objects.

Participants should dress warmly because temperatures can drop into the 30s at Hurricane Ridge.

The program will start at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 p.m. from Aug. 7-14, 9:45 p.m. from Aug. 15-18 and 9 p.m. Sept. 3-6 and 11-12.

The programs will be offered as long as skies are clear. For program status, call the park recording at 360-565-3131 after 3 p.m. the day of the program.

In addition, a full moon hike will be offered Friday (July 31) and Saturday. Astronomer John Goar will lead the 1.6-mile hike starting at the Hurricane Hill Trailhead. The hike will be from 8:30 to about 11 p.m.

While the programs are free, there is a $20 entrance fee (good for seven days).

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 11:37 AM with the headline "Stars, planets align at Hurricane Ridge event."