News Release

Eclipse and Eclairs

Jr Eclipse Explorer Book

NPS

News Release Date: March 29, 2024

Contact: Tera Lynn Gray, 308-665-4113

*Update: Due to pending rain/snow storms, Saturday's program will be held as a drop-in program throughout the day from 10-3pm. No telescope viewing will occur at night.*

This Saturday, April 6^th marks the beginning of night sky programs for the 2024 season at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. The season begins with a Junior Ranger program focused on the upcoming total solar eclipse. “Eclipse and Eclairs” will start at 7pm just outside the visitor center. Kids can grab a yummy treat while they participate in eclipse activities to earn their Junior Eclipse badge. Telescope viewing will occur from 8-9pm.

Unlike the total solar eclipse that occurred in our area August of 2017, Nebraskans will not see a full eclipse. That is reserved for individuals living or traveling to the path of the eclipse from Texas to Maine. We are not out of the loop entirely though. Those of us living in the panhandle will enjoy a partial eclipse, where the moon blocks about 60% of the sun.

The National Park Service published an excellent Junior Eclipse Explorer book and special badge to help young people understand what an eclipse is and how to view it. Rangers at Agate Fossil Beds will help young visitors complete this book through fun activities. They will say the pledge together and earn a badge (while supplies last). Then, telescopes will be available to check out close-ups of the moon and stars visible in the sky at that time.

And because it works rhythmically, visitors can enjoy eclairs while they learn about eclipses. Black Hills Parks & Forest Association, the organization that runs the park’s bookstore, will sponsor this yummy treats for our young guests.

As with all night sky events, please only bring red flashlights. Red cellophane and rubber bands will be available in the visitor center to cover visitor flashlights as needed. Night vision is extremely important to view deep space items in a telescope or with the naked eye. White lights, including car headlights, can ruin this vision.

Find out more information about eclipses at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/naturalphenomena/eclipses.htm.

We hope you can join us for this fun-filled evening. For more information, please contact the park at [phone] or e-mail us. No registration is needed. ASL interpreter available upon request.

Admission to Agate Fossil Beds is always free. Check out other events and activities on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 34 miles north of Mitchell, NE or 22 miles south of Harrison, NE on Highway 29 and 3 miles east on River Rd. The Visitor Center summer hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn until dusk. Visit us at www.nps.gov/agfo and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.