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Contact: Nancy Stimson, 307 467 5283
Devils Tower, WY America's National Park Service sites contain many cherished treasures. As darkness falls on Devils Tower, a different kind of light illuminates the night sky. That light, which comes from objects out in space transforms the night from a place of darkness into a place of wonder. To celebrate and share the beauty of our dark night skies, Devils Tower National Monument will host a series of star parties February through April.
Star parties are free of charge and approximately two hours in duration. Telescopes will be provided although visitors who have their own telescopes are invited to bring them. Star parties may be canceled due to inclement weather: for more information call the visitor center 9 am – 4 pm at 307-467-5283 ex. 635
February 10 – International Space Station Passes Over Devils Tower – Did you know the International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes? Tonight, the ISS will pass directly overhead just after 6:15 p.m. We’ll also view deep sky objects with telescopes and learn the stories of the winter constellations. Meet at Joyner Ridge at 5:45 p.m.
March 2 – Full Moon Walk –Take a walk with the ranger during the Full Moon. The full moon will illuminate Devils Tower as we walk the Tower Trail by moonlight. Meet at the kiosk across from the visitor center at 7:00 p.m.
March 17 – New Moon – With the dark skies of a new moon, this will be a great night for viewing deep sky objects through telescopes. Mercury, the smallest and innermost planet of our Solar System, reaches its greatest elongation tonight and will be visible just after sunset! Meet at Joyner Ridge at 7:30 p.m.
March 31 – Full Moon/ Blue Moon The Blue Moon, the second full moon in March, will illuminate Devils Tower as we walk the Tower Trail by moonlight. Meet at the kiosk across from the visitor center at 8:30 p.m.
April 14 – Star Party – View deep sky objects through our telescopes under the dark skies of a nearly new moon. Meet at Joyner Ridge at 8:30 p.m.
April 22 – Lyrids Meteor Shower Watch as meteors from one of the oldest recorded meteor showers light up the skies above Devils Tower. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, in the northeastern sky. Meet at Joyner Ridge at 9:30 p.m.
To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument visit www.nps.gov/deto or www.facebook.com/Devils-Tower-National-Monument-Official-NPS-Site or twitter.com@DevilsTowerNM or Instagram at #devilstowernps ~NPS~ |
Last updated: April 13, 2018