Astronomy Program at Badlands National Park
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Contact: Judy Olson, (605) 433-5240
Dr. Paige Baker, Superintendent, has announced a new astronomy program for the summer of 2008. Visitors are encouraged to join a park ranger at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater for a “Walk Among the Stars”. The program begins at 9 pm with an exciting audio/video presentation by an award-winning amateur astronomer. This is followed by a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Visitors may stay as long as they wish as the ranger describes the mysteries of the universe. Badlands National Park has a state-of-the-art 12 inch Celestron telescope equipped with a camera so “live action” images can be projected on the amphitheater’s large video screen. Superintendent Baker says, “The incredible dark sky at Badlands National Park allows for some great viewing of the summer constellations, planets and stars. Come out and join the fun.” As with all outside activities in the park, visitors should carefully check the weather before attending programs. Wear layered clothing and good walking shoes. For more information, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/badl or call the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at (605) 433-5241. |
Did You Know?
The former Pig Dig was discovered in June 1993 when two visitors from Iowa discovered a large backbone protruding from the ground near the Conata Picnic Area. Originally thought to be a 4-day excavation, field work continued for over a decade, yielding more than 10,000 fossilized bones for study.