Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, or PARI, is located on 200 acres inside the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. The site is an internationally certified dark sky park, and all ages are welcome to visit and take part of tours, camps, gallery exhibits and observing. PARI astronomers host stargazing sessions on the first and third weekends of every month. You can use provided telescopes or bring your own. Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. The cost is $15 per person (optional dinner not included in the event fee). Children 10 and under are admitted free. Register and pay using the website Event Calendar or call (828) 862-5554.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.