Three more chances remain this year to spend an evening under the stars. The 2026 “Seasonal Stargazing at Shei-Pa” program organized by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters has completed its first session on February 28. The remaining sessions will take place on June 13, September 12, and December 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Wenshui Area and Visitor Center.

This year's night sky features a range of highlights. Early in the year, Jupiter shone brightly during its opposition, offering excellent viewing conditions. A total lunar eclipse, often called a “Blood Moon,” appeared in early March. Summer will bring the return of Venus at dusk or dawn and the annual Perseid meteor shower. Toward the end of the year, the Geminid meteor shower will close the calendar with a dazzling display, while a comet sighting in April has also drawn attention from astronomy enthusiasts.

Shei-Pa is a mountainous national park known for its low light pollution. The Wenshui Area in Dahu, Miaoli County, spans about nine hectares and is easily accessible. With no street lighting in the park, the night sky remains relatively clear. Visitors can enjoy green landscapes and ecological ponds during the day and stargazing activities at night, making it a family-friendly destination.

The program includes professional lectures introducing seasonal constellations and major astronomical events, followed by telescope observation sessions guided by Shei-Pa astronomy volunteers. The event is free of charge, with a limit of 150 participants per session. Registration details for the upcoming sessions are available through the official online system.Astronomy volunteers guide participants in observing planets through telescopes.（Photo／Provided by Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters）