News Release

Virtual Heritage Starfest 2020

Date: September 11, 2020
Contact: Visitor Center, 435 425-3791

Torrey, UT – Capitol Reef National Park, Entrada Institute, and Clark Planetarium are partnering to host a Virtual Heritage Starfest Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual astronomy festival to celebrate the region’s dark night skies will be held virtually, rather than in-person. The Capitol Reef region boasts some of the darkest night skies in the United States. Visitors are invited to learn more through the virtual festival and safely visit the park to explore the night skies on their own with family and friends.

The Heritage Starfest has a new partner, the Clark Planetarium. Their mission is to create and present enlightening experiences that inspire wonder in learning about space and science and to promote greater public awareness of science in daily life. They make a great addition to the annual Heritage Starfest line-up!

Virtual Events on Friday 9/18/20
10:00 am: Presented by Entrada Institute and Clark Planetarium. Go to www.entradainstitute.org to watch “Dome from Home: Dark Skies,” an eight-minute video to find out why dark skies are important and how to reduce pollution. The video will remain available after the launch.

2:00 pm: Presented by Entrada Institute and Clark Planetarium. Go to www.entradainstittue.org to watch “Planisphere,” a 12-minute video, to discover this tool to help adults and youth alike to find constellations in the night sky. A pdf template for your personal star wheel will also be available online.

7:30 pm: Presented by Entrada Institute and Clark Planetarium. Go to www.entradainstitute.org to watch “Dome from Home: September Skies” this eight-minute video to explore night sky objects in September. The video will remain available after the launch.


Virtual Events on Saturday 9/19/20
10:00 am: Presented by Entrada Institute and Clark Planetarium. “Beginning Astrophotography” is a 60-minute live workshop to learn basic tricks for astrophotography with photographer Duke Johnson and gather hiking and outback photography ideas from Entrada Board member Tyler Ward for your next adventure. Pre-register by sending an email to: [e-mail]. Please leave your name, phone, and email and you will be sent a link to join the workshop the night prior to the activity. A URL will be posted afterwards for others to utilize as a resource in the future.  

2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6 pm: Hosted by Capitol Reef National Park. Go to www.facebook.com/capitolreefnps to watch the short five-minute “live-premiere” videos exploring “Stars,” “Planets,” and “Dark-Sky Conservation.” Ranger staff will host the virtual event live to answer questions online. After the live premieres, the video will remain viewable on Facebook and on the park webpage.

 

For more information about Entrada Institute’s Sunset Series Schedule or other special events, visit www.entradainstitute.org.

For more information about Clark Planetarium’s programs, visit www.clarkplanetarium.org.

For more information about Capitol Reef National Park, visit www.nps.gov/care and www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/night-sky.htm to explore the night skies.



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