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NASA
FRITCH, Texas –Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument will host a Star Party on Saturday, August 15. Join us for an evening of star gazing at the Alibates Visitor Center. Ranger conducted activities will begin at 8:00 p.m. for children wishing to earn their Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. The Junior Ranger activity will be followed by a theater presentation at 8:30 p.m. and the outdoor viewing will begin around 9:00 p.m. Arthur Schneider, Professor Emeritus at Amarillo College, will give an interpretive program on the night sky and stars of the Texas Panhandle. His program will begin with a presentation in the Alibates Visitor Center Theater, followed by an outdoor viewing in the parking lot.A16" reflecting telescope will be provided, which will allow participants to observe star clusters, planets, and galaxies. Professor Schneider will guide visitors in observing the night sky with telescopes, binoculars, and the naked eye assisted by Park Rangers. The focus for the evening will be our solar system, starting with Saturn. Adorned with thousands of beautiful ringlets made of chunks of ice and rock, Saturn is unique among the planets. Telescopes will show several nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. The brightest planet, Venus, and Jupiter, the king of the planets, will be visible low in the western sky. Professor Schneider has conducted our star parties in the past, as well as star parties at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Clayton State Park, and other schools in the Panhandle area. Participants should bring outdoor clothing, lawn chairs and insect repellent –refreshments will be provided. All activities are free and open to the public. In case of inclement or cloudy weather, only the outdoor viewing portion of the program will be cancelled. Signup today for the star party. For reservations, call Lake Meredith National Recreation Headquarters at 806-857-3151. For more information, please contact Alibates Visitor Center at 806-857-6680. |
Last updated: July 25, 2015