News Release

Autumn Star Party at Pipestone National Monument!

Date: September 13, 2022
Contact: Natalie Barber, 507-825-5464 ext. 214

 Join us on Saturday, September 24th for our Autumn Star Party at Pipestone National Monument! Programs and kids' activities start at 5:00pm and stargazing and astrophotography start at 8:30pm. The schedule will run as follows: 

5:00-5:45 The Dark Sky Movement: Night Preservation and Restoration. Presentation by Diane Knutson, Board President, International Dark-Sky Association 

6:00-7:00 “Path of Planets” Tour for kids (and kids-at-heart) around the trail with Dr. Larry Browning 

7:00-8:30 Dakota/Lakota constellations, hands-on activity stations (build a rocket, make a planosphere, earn a Jr. Night Explorer patch!) 

8:30-10:00 Stargaze with Drs. Grau, Vondruska, and Browning, the Brookings Astronomy Club and SDSU astronomy students, AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) and Astrophotography with Marty Dewitt (bring your DSLR or mirrorless camera & tripod) 

This is a relaxed event, so feel free to attend some or all the activities as you're able. If you’re only able to attend the 8:30 stargazing portion, please arrive by 8:00pm so vehicle headlights don’t blind visitors in the median. 

All events are free and open to the public (including the cider, cocoa, and snacks while supplies last). Bring layers and any questions about the cosmos you may have! 

For more information about the Monument, please call 507-825-5464 ext. 214 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/pipe. Event details and program schedules will be posted on the park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PipestoneNPS 

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.