Date: October 15, 2015
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 October through December.The star parties will be free of charge and approximately two hours in duration. Telescopes will be provided for viewing, 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.
October 22nd
–Orionids Meteor Shower Adventure –The Orionids meteors are formed from debris left behind by Halley's Comet, and are renowned for their bright and quick meteors, with approximately 20 meteors per hour. We can expect a meteor to rain down every 3 to 6 minutes. The meteors radiate from the north of constellation Orion's bright star Betelgeuse. Meet at 7pm at the Joyner Ridge Parking Area.
October 27th
–A Guided Walk to the Super-Moon –Take a walk with the ranger during the Super-Moon. The Moon will be at its closest passage to the Earth, seeming larger and brighter, which will illuminate Devils Tower for lots of pectacular views.
November 6th
–Taurids Meteor Shower Festival –The peak of the Taurids meteor shower is close to the New Moon, which grants an incredibly dark, clear sky to gaze at the stars and watch the meteors.
November 11th
–Non-Viewing of the New Moon through Telescopes –A New Moon is the darkest night of the month, which allows for amazing star viewing, and views of deep sky objects with telescopes.
November 17th
–Leonids Meteor Shower Festival –The Leonids meteor shower is known for its bright, colorful meteors, as well as magnificent fireballs –The waning crescent moon should leave skies dark enough for a wonderful showing of meteors. The meteors are radiant and travel 44 miles (71 kilometers) per second near the constellation Leo.
November 25th
–A Tour of Devils Tower in the light of the Full 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 those unpredictable situations. Meet the ranger for a guided walk on the Tower Trail for lots of truly unique views of Devils Tower.
December 11th
–Non-Viewing of the New Moon through Telescopes –a New Moon is the darkest night of the month, which allows for amazing star viewing, and views of deep sky objects with telescopes.
December 13th
–Devils Tower presents the magnificent, King of the Meteor Showers, the Geminis. The Geminis are typically one of the best and most reliable of the annual meteor showers, providing 120 meteors per hour in multiple colors! It's one of the best opportunities for younger viewers who might not stay up late. Expect delightfully dark skies this year as the crescent moon sets early. The meteors are radiant and travel 22 miles (35 kilometers) per second near the constellation Gemini.
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~
