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Contact: Jeff Wolin, (719) 748 - 3253
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will offer two Night Sky Programs, one of which is a special Meteor-Watching event for the Lyrids Meteor Shower. Both programs offer the opportunity to explore the stars under dark-sky conditions, far from city lights. Night Sky Program: "The Spring Sky" Saturday, April 11, 2015 –8:00 - 10:00 PM Meet the constellations of Spring! The Lion, the Crab, and the Many-Headed Serpent are high in the sky, pursued by the hero who fought them all, Hercules. Join us to learn your way around the spring sky, hear some of the mythology behind the constellations, and see some of the telescopic treasures hidden within them. Highlights in the telescopes include star clusters in Cancer and Hercules, distant galaxies in Leo and Ursa Major, and our closer neighbors Venus and Jupiter. Meet at the Visitor Center. Special Meteor-Watching Night Sky Program: "Lyrids Meteor Shower" Wednesday, April 22, 2015 –8:00 - 10:00 PM Do you like shooting stars? We do! Tonight is the peak of the Lyrids Meteor Shower, the best shower of the spring season. Join us to learn about the science behind these celestial fireworks, then head outside to watch them streak overhead. We'll have plenty of targets for our telescopes, too –planets, star clusters, and more –but you might be too busy watching the whole sky for meteors! Meet at the Visitor Center. For both programs: Night Sky Programs begin with a short Ranger-led talk in the Visitor Center, followed by stargazing with telescopes, binoculars, and laser-guided tours of the stars and constellations. Please note that the outdoor viewing is weather-dependent, and takes place only if clear. Indoor presentations take place no matter the weather. Dress warmly;nights can be cool even in spring. Bring binoculars or a flashlight if you wish (red-filtered lights only please). Admission for the program is the regular park entrance fee, which is $3 per adult (16 years and older);children and federal pass holders are free. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/flfo Follow us on Facebook/FlorissantNPS or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/flfo ���a���Q�y |
Last updated: April 1, 2015