The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) is hosting a full lineup of free astronomy programs this March at its Astronomy Campus in Sturgeon Bay, offering residents several opportunities to explore the night sky and learn more about space science.

“Looking at our events calendar and the different places we are going to go are fantastic,” said Coggin Heeringa from Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. “We have a lot happening this month.”

On March 21st, DPAS will host its monthly Night Sky Viewing Night. The event begins with a planetarium show highlighting deep-sky objects and, weather permitting, continues at the Leif Everson Observatory for a “Messier Half-Marathon.” Participants will attempt to locate as many objects as possible from the Messier catalog — a list of 110 galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters compiled by 18th-century French astronomer Charles Messier.

Beyond public programs, DPAS continues to expand its educational outreach throughout Door County.

“We use our planetarium, do programs for groups and kids,” Heeringa said. “We’ve done Algoma; we’re even doing STEAM Night in Sturgeon Bay.”

The organization is also visiting Sunrise School, Pinecrest, the Boys & Girls Club of Door County and Southern Door schools this month as part of its outreach efforts.

Heeringa says community interest in astronomy programs has remained strong.

“We have a lot of people coming to our meetings and open domes,” she said.

Occasionally, the society will also schedule “Open Dome” stargazing events during especially clear nights. Updates on those opportunities are posted on DPAS social media pages.

For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit the DPAS website or stop by the Astronomy Campus in Sturgeon Bay.