Visitors gather to watch a short introduction before the Logan Pass Star Party. Due to parking limitations, tickets are required.
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Logan Pass Star Party
Join Park Rangers and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club as they take advantage of Glacier's unusually dark skies, gazing through telescopes exploring the depths of the universe.
Glacier National Park plans to offer three Logan Pass Star Parties for the 2023 season: July 14, August 18, and September 8.
The last Logan Pass Star Party of the 2023 season will be held on Friday, September 8. Participants must arrive by 9:30 pm and stay until midnight. Tickets are required. Tickets cost $5 per vehicle and will be available starting at 8 am on Thursday, September 7, at Glacier National Park Conservancy stores in the St. Mary and Apgar Visitor Centers. Limited tickets will also be available at the Conservancy store in West Glacier at the Belton Train Station. Visitors do not need a vehicle reservation to access the St. Mary Visitor Center or Belton Train Station. Additional details will be provided with ticket purchase.
A visitor looks through a large telescope at Jupiter.
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Nightly Astronomy Program
Half the park happens after dark! Glacier is a great place to observe the night sky and you can get the most out of that experience by joining our astronomers for one of our nightly astronomy programs. These programs are only offered during the summer and tickets and reservations are not required. Please see the Ranger-led Activity Schedule for specific days and times. However, programs are usually offered during July and August and begin at dusk and last until midnight.
Nightly astronomy programs take place in Apgar, on the west side of the park, and in St. Mary, on the east side. In St. Mary, astronomers use the park's Dusty Star Observatory at the St. Mary Visitor Center to help explore the cosmos. This observatory features a 20-inch telescope and astronomy camera to share views of the night sky with visitors watching on exterior television monitors. Traditional telescope viewing is available at both locations.
If you plan on attending an astronomy program it is important to come prepared. Wear warm clothing and come prepared for wind in St. Mary. Bring a headlamp or flashlight so you can safely move around in the dark. Seating is not provided at the Dusty Star Observatory so bring a chair for a more comfortable viewing experience.
