From The Blog

Celestial Happenings for Early Risers and Night Owls

With the open sky along the oceanfront and limited light pollution, Kiawah is a great place to observe events in the sky. Head to the beach in the next week for some views that are out of this world!

 

SPACEX LAUNCH – ISS RESUPPLY MISSION

Join your friends and neighbors on the beach in front of The Sandcastle a little before 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21 to witness the 24th cargo resupply flight mission to the International Space Station. The Dragon spacecraft, along with the Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is scheduled for liftoff at 5:06 a.m. The launch, if it goes ahead as scheduled, can be seen from the beach. Get there early enough to get your cameras and phones ready. To confirm the launch or to view the livestream instead, visit spacex.com or sign up to watch with NASA here.

 

ANNUAL URSID METEOR SHOWER

The annual Ursid meteor shower occurs from Dec. 17-26, peaking on Wednesday, Dec. 22. Weather permitting, the opportunity might also exist to witness a meteor or two passing through the sky. The Ursid meteors will radiate from Ursa Minor. The seven main stars that form Ursa Minor are also known as the Little Dipper. A bright moon may reduce visibility but head to the beach by 6:48 p.m. on Dec. 22 as an excellent time to witness the meteor shower. Meet at The Sandcastle before the peak or stop inside til 8 p.m. to warm up.