Event Watch: Space Day at PARI

 

 

 

Deep in the Pisgah National Forest sits Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, or PARI for short. A research and education center, this facility is a little known but super important area resource. Every year, on the first Saturday in May, PARI hosts Space Day for researchers, science-buffs, students, and anyone else that is interested in the vast night sky and beyond. Read on for more information about PARI and Space Day!

 

 

Developed in 1962 by NASA, PARI was designed to track satellites and monitor manned space flights. While it no longer serves that purpose, it is still a world-class research center and non-profit educational resource. The campus itself is made up of 30 buildings and over a dozen telescopes; because of its remote location (though not far from Brevard!), it's protected from light pollution and radio interference. 

 

PARI's main building is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, all year round, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Self guided or guided tours are available to all; scientists and researches are on site to answer questions or offer lectures. Be sure to stop at the observation deck while visiting the 200 acre site - some of the very best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains can be had from this vantage point!

 

Space Day takes place every year at PARI on the first Saturday of May, and it is a much anticipated event! An all-day open house, Space Day brings in hundreds of visitors every year - ranging from scientists, to space-buffs, to young students, to curious passerby's. The regular attractions - science exhibit galleries, Galaxy Walk, astronomical displays, and more - are still available to visitors, but on this day, extra special attention and focus is given to the varying research and educational programs that are going on throughout the campus. 

 

 

Staying in the area is key to fully enjoying the vast array of area amenities. Staying in your own home away from home brings the experience to the next level of special! Carolina Mornings has dozens of amazing vacation rentals in and around the Asheville area, each one unique. For a 3 bedroom home located in the charming town of Hendersonville, check out Forest Hill! This spacious two story home is well appointed, supremely comfortable, and conveniently situated to allow you easy access to Brevard, the surrounding mountains, Hendersonville, and Asheville.