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Contact: Tim Cruze, 806-857-3151
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument will be holding the first event of the year and the first of three scheduled “Star Party” events this year. The Alibates Star Party is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018. This event is part of the Night Skies Program in which, we celebrate evening activities in the park. The remoteness of Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument provides one of the best viewing locations of the night sky in the Texas Panhandle. Ranger conducted activities will begin at 7:00 p.m. for children wishing to earn their Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch. The Junior Ranger activity will be followed by a theater presentation at 8:30 p.m. and the outdoor viewing will begin around 9:00 p.m. Evening programs include:Junior Ranger Night Explorer: Children can earn a really cool official Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch by participating in the activity and completing the Night Explorer Junior Ranger activity booklet. Activities will begin at the Alibates Visitor Center at 7:00 pm and last about 1 hour.
Theater Program: The program will begin with a presentation in the Alibates Visitor Center Theater at 8:30 p.m., followed by an outdoor viewing in the parking lot. Professor Arthur Schneider, Director of Renewable Energy at Amarillo College, will provide a presentation on the Panhandle night sky and stars.
Night Sky Viewing: Multiple telescopes will be set up, including a 16" reflecting telescope, which will allow participants to observe star clusters, planets, and galaxies. Professor Schneider will guide visitors in observing the night sky with telescopes, binoculars, and the naked eye assisted by Park Rangers.
Participants should bring outdoor clothing, lawn chairs and insect repellent. Activities are free and open to the public. In case of inclement or cloudy weather, only the outdoor viewing portion of the program will be cancelled. For additional information, please call Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument at 806-857-6680 to sign up for the Star Party.
Last updated: April 20, 2018