Devils Tower Star Parties

Date: September 24, 2016
Contact: Nancy Stimson, 307.467.5283

America's National Park Service sites contain some of the purest night skies in the world. As darkness falls on Devils Tower, a different kind of light illuminates the night sky. That light, which comes from objects in deep space, transforms the night from a place of darkness into a place of wonder. To celebrate and share the beauty of our night skies, Devils Tower National Monument will host a series of star parties October through December. Telescopes will be provided although you may bring your own. All programs will be free of charge and may be canceled due to inclement weather. For more information call the visitor center at 307-467-5283 ex. 635.

October 16^th – Full Moon – The Moon will be at its closest passage to the Earth, seeming larger and brighter, which will illuminate Devils Tower for spectacular views. Meet at the amphitheater across from the picnic area at 7:00 pm.

October 19^th – Orionids Meteor Shower Adventure – The Orionids meteors formed from debris left behind by Halley's Comet, and are renowned for their bright and quick meteors, with approximately 10-20 meteors per hour. Meteors may be visible every 3 to 6 minutes. The meteors radiate from the north of constellation Orion's bright star Betelgeuse. Meet at the amphitheater across from the picnic area at 7:00 pm.

October 30^th – New Moon – A New Moon is the darkest night of the month, which allows for amazing star viewing, and views of deep sky objects with telescopes. Meet at the amphitheater across from the picnic area at 7:00 pm.

November 14^th – View Devils Tower by the Light of the Silvery Moon – This will be the second moon of the season, also referred as the Hunter's Moon. Usually at night we need flashlights to see, but during the Full Moon experience the trail will be illuminated by the Full Moon. A flashlight is recommended for unpredictable situations. Meet at the kiosk across from the visitor center at 7:00 pm.

December 11^th – Planet Watch – View Venus,the second planet from the Sun;Mars,the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System;and Mercury the smallest and innermost planet in the Solar System at its maximum elongation. Meet at Joyner Ridge at 5:30 pm.

December 14^th – Geminids Meteor Shower, king of all meteor showers provides 120 meteors per hour in multiple colors! This is one of the best opportunities for younger viewers who might not stay up late. Expect delightfully dark skies as the crescent moon sets early. The meteors are radiant and travel 22 miles per second near the constellation Gemini and are typically one of the best and most reliable of the annual meteor showers. Meet at the amphitheater across from the picnic area at 7:00 pm.