Star Party - July

Date: July 9, 2013

Upcoming Star Party at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

CARLSBAD – Carlsbad Caverns National Park welcomes the public to a Star Party on Sunday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m., in the east main parking lot of the Carlsbad Caverns visitor center.

Far from the lights of town, Carlsbad Caverns National Park boasts wonderfully dark night skies, perfect conditions for seeing and contemplating the cosmos. Rangers will have telescopes available for the public and pointed at night sky objects such as planets in our own solar system, objects in the Milky Way, and perhaps even a few galaxies beyond our own. Viewing opportunities are dependent on favorable weather conditions. No fee or advance reservations are required for this event.

Visitors should bring a flashlight and dress for the weather, which can be cool at night. Please be mindful of others' night vision when using flashlights. Parking for the visitor center and Bat Flight program will be limited to the west lot near the Cavern Restaurant. Neither the visitor center nor the cave will be open at the time of this event.

Schedule of events:

5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Theater Programs about the Night Sky:  Before the sun sets, rangers will present two programs in the visitor center about the night sky.

7:45 p.m. Bat Flight Program: A ranger will lead a talk about the bats of Carlsbad

Cavern until the bats begin to fly. Remember, all electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, iPads, iPods) are prohibited at Bat Flight programs.

8:30pm – 10:00pm: Night sky viewing: Numerous telescopes will be available for the public to view the night skies of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Carlsbad Caverns will host additional Star Parties on August 11, September 8, and October 6 2013.

For more information on Star Parties contact Park Guide Ellen Rohn at [phone].

- www.NPS.gov-