A colorful and diverse series of programs will kick off this year’s Night of Shooting Stars in the Hortobágy National Park, celebrating the Perseid meteor shower with evening astronomy events.
The opening night takes place on August 9 at the Hortobágy Wildlife Park, where wolves, jackals, wild horses, and other nocturnal animals will add atmosphere to the unique evening. The event has been given a special title: “Perseids and Full Moon Night at the Wildlife Park,” highlighting the mystical ambiance the full moon brings. Programs will unfold simultaneously at five different locations within the park, including the wolf enclosure. Highlights include telescope and laser sky observation, lectures, “meteor petting,” meteor analysis under microscopes, and night-time insect trapping. The Terminus Association from Hajdúböszörmény will showcase a rich selection of telescopes and support the program as a key professional partner.
Special access note: The Wildlife Park can only be reached via national park shuttle buses through a wild horse pasture.
More info and ticket purchase:
https://visithortobagy.com/hu/esemenyek/vadasparki-perseidak-es-telihold-ejszakaja
Additional Locations and Dates (Aug. 10–14):
Hortobágy Fishponds (Halastó) (Aug. 10–12)
Twilight birdwatching before skywatching over wetland edges with buffalo grazing in the background.
Hortobágy-Máta (Aug. 11–13)
Carriage rides through the steppe, past herds of Nonius horses, grey cattle, and sheep. Evening stargazing from the grass.
Wildlife Park (Aug. 10–13)
Additional nights with wolves, jackals, pelicans, raptors, and riverside habitats. Skywatching from the lawn.
Szálkahalmi Nature Trail (Aug. 10–14)
Nightly “meteor petting,” microscope studies, and telescope sessions along the trail.
Puszta Animal Park (Aug. 10–12)
Meet native Hungarian livestock, learn about astrophotography, and count meteors under the stars.
Solar observation at the sundial near the Shepherd Museum (Aug. 10–13, 5–6 PM, free)
Important for visitors:
All programs require advance ticket purchase at
https://visithortobagy.com/hu/esemenyek/hullocsillagok-ejszakaja-1
On-site ticket sales are limited and only available at the Tourinform office or the Visitor Center in Hortobágy.
Bring a blanket or mat for lying on the grass, and mosquito repellent is strongly recommended.
Note: No restroom facilities are available at the Szálkahalmi site.
Photos: Attila Szilágyi (HNPI)
