maine astronomy

RETREAT (mars)

Have you ever wanted it all – an ultra-dark night that just begs you to stargaze, and a comfortable bed in a fully equipped cabin just steps away from your scope?

Now you can have it all.

Medomak Retreat Center in Washington, Maine, has some of the darkest skies in the Northeast, with a limiting visual magnitude of 6.3 (SQM value: 21.3 MPSAS). It’s an IDA-compliant property that takes an active role in promoting the benefits of dark skies. Medomak’s family camp has hosted an astronomy-themed vacation week for 11 years, and availability routinely sells out many months in advance.

Now Medomak is taking its growing reputation as a stargazing mecca to the next level. This summer, September 2-8, we’ll host a star party more geared toward adults and older children. You’ll be able to learn about astronomy and telescopes by day – and revel under our expansive dark skies at night. This fantastic and engaging program is led by J. Kelly Beatty (Sky & Telescope’s senior contributing editor) and veteran stargazer, researcher and telescope maker Bruce Berger (Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston).

But don’t just join us for the stars, the programs, and the lectures. (We’ll even have telescopes, but bring yours too.) What makes this a “must-go” venue are the creature comforts. No need to bring a tent, or sleep in a sleeping bag, or eat so-so food. Medomak has comfortable, private cabin facilities with real beds, hot showers, electricity, and amazing, chef-prepared food. 

And it’s all included in your tuition.