The urban city life of Detroit doesn’t necessarily scream, “star-gazing”, but this leaves room for creativity! Peruse the many planetariums and other such places for your viewing pleasure in the nearby areas. The Upper Peninsula is a peak spot for night sky viewing, but we’re spotlighting a few that are easier to travel to this significant Full Moon. The International Dark-Sky Association works to protect the night skies for present and future generations by educating people about the adverse effects that artificial lighting has on many levels both individually and environmentally.
In honor of this dreamy July, Full Buck Moon, Detroitisit rounded up a dazzling list of the best sites for star and moon-gazing near Detroit. Summer nights provide a natural show for everyone.
DASSAULT SYSTEMES PLANETARIUM
The Michigan Science Center in Detroit should suffice your starry-eyed fantasies. They feature the prime Dassault Systèmes Planetarium, which includes a Digitar II projection system and a 13,000-watt Dolby Digital sound system. The “virtual universe” includes 9,000+ stars, as well as planets and galaxies, all on a 50-foot, 3-story-high dome. Get your galactic hat on! During the school year, educational groups have first priority, and there are seven shows available every evening. Click HERE to view the Michigan Science Center’s site to see all of the shows available.
Located at 5020 John R. St. Detroit, MI 48202. PHONE: (313) 577-8400
PHOTO ELISE BENNETT / PINTEREST
DETROIT RIVERWALK
If you live in the city but find it hard to find the stars at night, check out the RiverWalk, located in between Detroit and Canada where Windsor winks from its banks. Take a relaxing walk up the RiverWalk and back, or perhaps a bike ride. This could also be a romantic date night as well. There are plenty of groovy restaurants around to end the night. Click HERE to visit their site.
Located at Rivard St. and Atwater St. Detroit, MI 48243
CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
The planetarium at Cranbrook Institute of Science is an intimate theater that allows you to explore and experience the universe. It features a state-of-the-art Digistar star projector manufactured by Evans & Sutherland Corp., a company also renowned for its simulation products for aviation and government clients. The Digistar allows star fields and other images to be projected and moved through. Let the lights go down and your eyes light up! The Acheson Planetarium admission is $5 per program for most adults and children. Click HERE to view their site.
Located at 39221 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303. PHONE: (248) 645-3200
LONGWAY PLANETARIUM
PHOTO ONLY IN YOUR STATE / PINTEREST
Check out the upgraded planetarium projection system, Digistar 7. Longway Planetarium in Flint remains Michigan’s largest and most technologically advanced planetarium facility. They engage communities on a learning journey in history and science. The Detroit community is invited to join in on the sky wandering. Tickets can be reserved online, in person, or over the phone. Each show lasts 45 minutes. Click HERE for planetary showtimes as well other in-person shows like Skies Over Michigan, where astronomy experts take you on a tour of the night sky over Michigan in this live planetarium lecture. Watch the gears turn in your kids’ heads as they explore the world on a grand scale!
Located at 1310 E. Kearsley St. Flint, Michigan 48503. PHONE: 810-237-3400
DR. T.K. LAWLESS COUNTY DARK SKY PARK
PHOTO ROLF HICKER PHOTOGRAPHY / PINTEREST
Michigan holds magnificent natural light, so we’re providing some other options to help you see it all. Looking for star and moon-gazing sites beyond Detroit? Designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, this county park is one of the only two located in the state of Michigan. Consider it a certified dark backdrop to a bright sight. Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City is the other Dark Sky park people love. Dr. T.K. Lawless County Dark Sky Park is an 820-acre nature park that is open year-round, so you can always come back for a wide range of recreational activities. Click HERE to view their site.
Located at 15122 Monkey Run Street, Vandalia, MI 49095. PHONE: Local: (269) 445-4456
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