View the stars at the Cape May Lighthouse

Attention stargazers and lighthouse enthusiasts: there will be special nighttime climbs in 2022 at the Cape May Lighthouse during select new moon dates. The new moon occurs when the sun and moon are aligned with the sun and Earth on opposite sides of the moon.

On evenings of the new moon and the start of a new 29.5-day lunar cycle, the moon is so dark it blends in with the night sky and is invisible to the naked eye. Stars and constellations are more visible on clear nights during the new moon.

Climbers can enjoy a nighttime view nearly 156 feet above the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Interpretive panels tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically, and are located at landings along the way.

The climbs will be on: Saturday, April 30 (7 p.m.–9 p.m.), Monday, May 30 (7 p.m.–9 p.m.), Tuesday, June 28 (8 p.m.–10 p.m.), Thursday, July 28 (8 p.m.–10 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 27 (8 p.m.–10 p.m.)

The 1859 Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon on this site. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC. Since it opened to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top, but far fewer have climbed at nighttime. Binoculars are permitted during Stairway to the Stars Lighthouse Climbs if securely worn around the neck at all times.

Admission for this special evening climb is $20 adults, and $10 for children ages 3-12. Tickets are available for purchase on site the evening of the event. Visit capemaymac.org for updates.

The lighthouse is in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township (next to Cape May Point Borough Hall in Cape May Point), at 215 Lighthouse Ave., and normally closes at dusk. The Cape May Lighthouse is open regularly for visiting and climbing during daytime hours. Tickets for climbing during daytime hours are available for purchase online or on site. Visit capemaymac.org for ticket prices and current schedule.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.

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