South Oregon Coast Goes Interstellar: Coos Bay's Sunset Bay Astronomy Fest Sept 25 - 27

Published 09/10/25 at 6:25 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) – Oregon State Parks will soon bring the “space” down to the coastline's open spaces. (Al Hurt Photography: Shore Acres at night)

The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival makes a landing on the south Oregon coast's Shore Acres State Park, September 25–27, bringing three nights of stargazing and science to Sunset Bay and this mega-cool attraction near Coos Bay. The annual event blends hands-on exploration with celestial storytelling, offering a lineup of guided hikes, interpretive programs, and nightly star parties.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

Each of the three evenings, NASA Ambassador Jennifer Godfrey will lead talks at Shore Acres Gardens, diving into topics such as ancient navigation, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the nature of exoplanets. Her presentations will be followed by star parties, where those behind telescopes help visitors explore the night sky. Organizers recommend attending the talks beforehand to allow time for eyes to adjust to the dark.

Al Hurt Photography: Shore Acres at night

Thursday’s programming centers on constellations from around the world. Friday’s events take a more imaginative turn, inviting participants to view Earth through the lens of an alien visitor.

There's also some hiking involved in the stunning state park.

“Imagine you’ve just arrived on Earth with your guide and find all kinds of life here,” said organizers. “But what is it and how does it work? How does our ecosystem function and what makes it unique? Meet at the Interpretive Center and walk the Bog Trail with a ranger.”

Here’s the full schedule of activities:

Thursday Activities:
10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign-up required via Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov
7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

Friday Activities:
10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
12–2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
6–7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
7:30 p.m.: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres

Saturday Activities:
10 a.m.: Guided hike (meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
12–2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres

A $10 parking permit is required per vehicle to park in the Shore Acres day-use lot. For complete daily schedules, see THIS SUNSETY BAY ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL 2025.

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