Sunset Bay Astronomy Fest Returns to S. Oregon Coast / Coos Bay for 3 Days of Celestial Exploration

Published 08/12/25 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) – Late September is when the Second Summer really starts kicking in. It's also when the stars seriously come out. This time, the Coos Bay area's Sunset Bay State Park and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) pounce on those opportunities. (Above: Sunset Bay courtesy Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts)

From September 25 to 27, Sunset Bay State Park on Oregon’s southern coast will host the annual Sunset Bay Astronomy Fest, a three-day celebration of stargazing, science, and storytelling under the skies. The event features a full slate of programs for all ages, including ranger-led hikes, hands-on workshops, and nightly star parties at nearby Shore Acres Gardens.

The festival kicks off each morning at 10 a.m. with Junior Ranger programs at the Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center. On Wednesday, young explorers can learn about the Sun and safely view its surface through a solar telescope.

“We will be able to see sunspots and other surface features. Everyone is welcome, but 12-year-olds and under must have an adult,” said organizers.

Sunset Bay courtesy Manuela Durson - Manuela Durson Fine Arts

Thursday’s session focuses on constellations from around the world, while Friday’s hike-themed program invites participants to imagine Earth through the eyes of an alien visitor.

“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.”

It will be a short one-mile trail, said OPRD, but it is steep in some areas.

Evenings bring a mix of science and spectacle. NASA Ambassador Jennifer Godfrey will lead nightly talks at Shore Acres Gardens, exploring topics such as ancient navigation, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the nature of exoplanets. She'll look into what makes Earth unique – and ideas on what life on other worlds might look like. Each presentation is followed by a star party, where telescope operators guide visitors through the night sky. Organizers recommend attending the talks beforehand to allow time for eyes to adjust to the dark.

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Each of the star parties begin at 8 p.m. while the evening talks start at 7:30 p.m.

Photography enthusiasts can join a hands-on night sky workshop Wednesday evening at Shore Acres. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, though all are welcome to attend. Space is limited and advance registration is required by emailing Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov.

Additional daytime activities include solar viewing sessions around noon at the Shore Acres Observation Building and a guided coastal hike on Thursday evening titled “Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door,” which explores the ancient biology of these mysterious sea creatures. For this, you hike about one mile on a relatively flat area. It runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The festival concludes Saturday night with its final star party, offering one last chance to explore the cosmos with the help of rangers and volunteers.

All events are free with park admission, though a $10 parking permit is required for vehicles in the Shore Acres day-use lot. Organizers encourage attendees to dress warmly and bring flashlights with red filters to preserve night vision. MORE ON THIS SUNSETY BAY ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL 2025.

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