PATTEN — Registration is open for the 10th annual Stars Over Katahdin, set for Saturday, Oct. 14.

The event celebrates the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River with opportunities to explore the night sky guided by expert astronomers, state-of-the-art telescopes, and National Park Service Night Sky Rangers. With activities running from noon until 10 p.m. at Taylor’s Katahdin View Camps at the start of Swift Brook Road in Stacyville, attendees will also have the chance to view a partial solar eclipse and participate in campfire chats.

“For 10 years, some of those before the monument was established, volunteers and community members have been highlighting these exceptional dark skies at the Stars Over Katahdin event,” said Kala Rush, education director, according to a news release from Brian Hinrichs, executive director of Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. “Thanks to our community and this event, we now have an International attraction that uplifts a local wonder and every year brings people to the Katahdin Region.”

The free event is made possible by Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters and its sponsors, including Richardson’s Hardware and Maine Beer Company. Friends is an official philanthropic partner to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. In 2020, the monument was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, only the second such designation within the National Park Service and the first in Maine and New England.

Food will be available for purchase on site from Oak Creek Smokery, and camping is available for a $10 cash fee paid upon arrival.

For more information and registration, visit friendsofkww.org/stars.

Check out other upcoming area events!