Night Sky Festival

The night sky is magnificently brilliant at Joshua Tree.

NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

 

2019 Night Sky Festival: September 21

Joshua Tree National Park is proud to have recently been designated as an International Dark Sky Park at the Silver Tier level by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The park strives to be a refuge for those who want to experience a naturally dark night sky.

Mark your calendar now for a fun-filled day and star-filled night on Saturday, September 21, 2019 for the 5th Annual Night Sky Festival. This year’s festival is a ticketed event with limited capacity, held primarily at Sky’s the Limit Nature Center and Observatory, located just outside the park’s north entrance. Plan to celebrate the fall equinox with us!

We will have a Star Party with at least 20 telescopes, music, Constellation Tours and Sky Stories. Daytime activities will include astronomy lectures, photo booth, educational tables and youth crafts, along with solar viewing, nature walks, and tours of the model solar system (the “orrery”) at Sky’s the Limit.

Details to come. Tickets will go on sale in the summer. For a description of the similar 2018 festival, visit www.jtnparts.org/night-sky-festival

Plan ahead; lodging can be found in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, or other nearby towns.

This event is sponsored by non-profit organizations Joshua Tree National Park Council for the Arts and Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center, in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park, and supported by the City of Twentynine Palms.

Media Contact: Ann Congdon 760-490-9561 [e-mail]

Remember

• Campgrounds often fill on weeknds, and are often full by Wednesday midday.
• In the park, you can only spend the night in designated campsites and areas. Learn more about other options outside the park.

 

Things to know

If you are attending any of the night programs, remember:

• Bring a red flashlight. White lights are not permitted around telescopes. Find out more about night sky viewing etiquette and advice.
• Bring warm clothing.
• Dogs are not permitted at telescope viewing events.
• Please be patient and flexible.

Come view the night sky throughout the year

Night sky programs are offered throughout the year. Check park bulletin boards for updated schedules.

There may be telescope viewings held outside the park by local partners, Sky's the Limit and Southern California Desert Video Astronomers.

Or, on any clear night, come enjoy the stars on your own! Read more about stargazing in Joshua Tree.

Watch a series of short films and learn why the NPS cares about protecting dark night skies.