News Release

Explore the Winter Night Sky in 2019

The Spalding Visitor Center main entrance in winter

NPS photo

News Release Date: December 18, 2018

Contact: Kate Kunkel-Patterson, 208-843-7025

LAPWAI, ID – Have you ever looked up at the stars on a clear, cool winter evening, and wanted to know and see more? Here is your opportunity! Nez Perce National Historical Park is hosting two winter night sky events at the visitor center. The events will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 4:30-6:00 pm and Saturday, February 16, 2019, from 5:30-7:00 pm.

The events will begin inside the Spalding Visitor Center with a short ranger talk on Nez Perce culture and history. This will be followed by David Eberle, a NASA Volunteer Solar System Ambassador and local elementary school teacher, who will present an orientation program to the winter night sky. The event will then move outside to gaze upon some of the constellations and celestial formations only visible in the January and February night skies.

A telescope will be available to visitors for viewing; feel free to bring your own telescope! In addition, we will have a special “Night Sky Junior Ranger” activity books available for kids and families. When you complete the booklet you will earn a Night Sky patch. A portion of the event will be held outdoors, after dark in winter weather; please dress appropriately with coats, hats, gloves, and other necessary gear.

The Spalding visitor center is 12 miles east of Lewiston at 39063 U.S. Highway 95. Winter hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday from December to February. Park Admission is free year round. For more information, please contact Nez Perce National Historical Park at 208-843-7009, or visit www.nps.gov/nepe or www.facebook.com/DiscoverNezPerceNationalHistorcalPark.