The Unicoi State Park located in Helen Ga. hosts astronomy nights offering aspiring astronomers to receive a visual and hands-on guide to astronomy. Astronomy nights are hosted by the Atlanta Astronomy Club and are perfect for all ages.

This makes it a perfect excursion for families, even with small children. Astronomy night is held at the Unicoi State Park campground visitor center. Held in the visitor center, it allows participants to enjoy amenities like a great view of picturesque Smith Lake, grills for cooking, as well as fire pit areas perfect for creating a family night that will be cherished for years to come.

Astronomy nights begin with a slide show that educates participants on the basics of astronomy, and then continues with a hands-on viewing experience with high-quality equipment, set against a beautiful mountain sky with star field.

Participants can ask questions and get great advice on entering the exciting field of astronomy as a hobbyist or as a career. The people at the Atlanta Astronomy Club are all professionals and very proficient in astronomy at all levels.

Participants can enjoy cooking al fresco, dine at one of the many excellent restaurants located in Helen Ga., or enjoy an excellent, affordable country-style buffet at the Unicoi Lodge. The buffet offers fresh fried mountain rainbow trout every night.

Participants may also bring their own telescopes. All lanterns should have red bulbs so as not to distract others from the nighttime viewing experience. Participants are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit on.

Ever wonder how to use your digital camera to take great pictures through a telescope? What are the best cheap telescopes for hobbyists? What equipment and basic knowledge do I need to be a serious amateur astronomer? It’s questions like this that host members of the Atlanta Astronomy Club can help with.

The scenery of this attraction is unbeatable. The environment is in a unique and picturesque mountain park camping area with panoramic mountain views. Participants may also enjoy renting a campsite for tent camping, staying at one of Unicoi’s mountain lodges, or finding a relatively inexpensive cabin in Unicoi. The campground area also offers RV sites.

So if you and your family are looking for a memorable, highly informative and educational experience, or if you just have an interest in astronomy and want to learn the basics, this is a great hands-on attraction. The best part of all of this is that it’s free.

Interested participants can get more information, as well as the dates and times this event will take place throughout the year by contacting the Helen Ga Visitors Bureau. at 1-800-573-9659

The address of this attraction is: Unicoi State Park, 1788 Highway 356, Helen Ga.