OPRD release - COOS BAY, Oregon— The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.  Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.  “Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.  The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.  NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.  Thursday Activities:  10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center; 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email [email protected] to sign up.  7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens; 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres.  Webpage with complete Thursday schedule.  (Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)  Friday Activities:  10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center; 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building; 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike); 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden; 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres.  Webpage with complete Friday schedule.  (Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)  Saturday Activities:  10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike); 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building; 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres; 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres.  Webpage with complete Saturday schedule.  (Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)