Event Overview

Join us for Lunar Highlands Heritage, an immersive overnight stargazing camp focused on exploring the Moon’s ancient and heavily cratered southern highlands. Scheduled for May 9–10, 2026, under the optimal Last Quarter Moon illumination, this event offers breathtaking views of some of the Moon’s oldest geological features. Complementing lunar observation, guests will also experience brilliant globular clusters and Milky Way regions visible in the pre-dawn sky.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10, 2026
🌙 Moon Phase: Last Quarter Moon – ideal for detailed observation of lunar terrain
⏰ Check-in: Saturday 6:00 PM
⏰ Check-out: Sunday 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Pristine dark sky site approximately 90 minutes from Pune/Mumbai

What to Expect

Lunar Highlights

Explore the rugged southern lunar highlands with ancient crater formations and prominent ray systems casting dramatic shadows.

• Observe mountainous terrain and crater chains in exquisite detail thanks to the Last Quarter Moon’s ideal lighting conditions.

Spring Night Sky

• Witness prominent spring and early summer constellations: Boötes, Hercules, Serpens, and Ophiuchus.

• View bright and dense globular clusters such as M13 (Hercules Cluster) and M92.

• Enjoy sights of burgeoning Milky Way regions appearing in the pre-dawn hours.

Viewing Experience

Unaided Eyes

• Recognize key stars like Arcturus (Boötes), Vega rising, and clusters forming the summer Milky Way.

• Enjoy dark sky star fields enhanced by minimal light pollution and favorable moonlight.

Binoculars

• Scan globular clusters M13, M92, and star-rich Milky Way regions for spectacular wide-field views.

• Identify star clouds and asterisms within Boötes and Hercules constellations.

Telescopes (10″ and 12″)

• Detailed views of ancient lunar highlands and crater formations with sharply defined shadows.

• Resolving individual stars within M13 and M92 globular clusters.

• View galaxies and deep sky objects in surrounding constellations during moonset and pre-dawn.

Program Outline

• Welcome and orientation session focusing on lunar geology and highland characteristics.

• Guided telescopic lunar surface exploration emphasizing terminator shadows and crater details.

• Night sky tour highlighting spring and early summer constellations and globular clusters.

• Pre-dawn Milky Way observation and astrophotography session.

• Evening social gathering with educational talks and Q&A.

Equipment & Amenities

• High-quality Dobsonian telescopes optimized for lunar and deep sky viewing.

• Lunar filters to enhance surface contrast and reduce glare.

• Comfortable outdoor seating and camping facilities.

• Educational star charts and lunar maps provided.

• Expert astronomy guides to assist and educate.

Who Should Attend

• Lunar enthusiasts keen to explore rugged ancient terrain.

• Photographers interested in lunar and deep sky astrophotography.

• Families and students seeking a unique educational night under the stars.

• Anyone fascinated by the Moon and deep sky wonders.