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Theodore Roosevelt National ParkAurora
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Lightscape / Night Sky

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great place to view the night sky. The park is over 30 miles from the nearest large city. On clear nights, the Milky Way, planets, and a wide variety of stars and constellations are visible. Occasionally, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible especially during the winter. In both units, observers can drive to excellent viewing areas atop badlands plateaus for an unimpaired look at the night sky. View current Northern Lights activity.

Threats to the park's night sky include oil and gas development surrounding the park. Lights from these facilities, including gas flares, threaten to dampen the visibility of the night sky.

Elkhorn Ranch  

Did You Know?
Theodore Roosevelt's home cattle ranch was the Elkhorn Ranch, located on the Little Missouri River 35 miles north of Medora. The site is protected as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
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Last Updated: May 08, 2009 at 16:32 EST