Petrified Forest National Park Offering Night Sky Program, September 12

Martha's Butte Night Sky

Brent Schoenfeld

News Release Date: September 3, 2015

Contact: Kip Woolford, 928-524-6228 x273

PETRIFIED FOREST, AZ—Petrified Forest National Park will welcome visitors for a viewing of the night sky with astronomer Dr. Larry Behers on Saturday, September 12, 2015. 

Overnight camping is permitted. A limited number of RV and trailer spaces are available.

RSVP no later than 5PM on Friday, September 11 to Park Ranger Kip Woolford at 928-524-6228 ext. 273 or e-mail us.

Normal park entrance fees apply, but the astronomy program is free. All participants must arrive at the park prior to regular closing hours at 7PM. 

Dr. Behers of Project ASTRO will offer educational talks about the sun, lunar phases, the seasons, gravity, and the constellations. His program will begin at 6PM at Chinde Point and run hourly through 11PM. Events will include star gazing and kids’ activities. Night sky photographers are welcome. 

Chinde Point offers restrooms and picnic tables, but no RV hook-ups or showers. Program participants who leave the park after7PM will not be readmitted. Open fires are prohibited. Make sure to bring plenty of water and food. Meals are not provided. Bug spray, headlamps, flashlights, and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Please bring red filters for headlamps and flashlights in order to preserve optimal night sky viewing. 

For more information about Petrified Forest National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/pefo.