Event
Night Skies Over the LBJ Ranch
Fee:
Free.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Description
View the wonders of the night sky on Saturday, March 21. Beginning at 7:30 pm at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, the National Park Service will host programs highlighting the marvels of the night sky and the importance of preserving dark skies.
Are you young or young at heart? The National Park Service has developed a Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, encouraging park visitors to explore the starry side of their national parks. Starting at 7:30 pm, join park rangers on the ranch’s airstrip for activities about the night sky. There is no maximum age limit to participate. Suggested minimum age is 5 years old, and children must be accompanied by their parents. Junior (and Senior) rangers will go home with a Night Explorer workbook and earn a beautiful cloth patch.
After the junior ranger activities conclude at 8:30 pm, the Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) will set up telescopes and offer a stargazing experience from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Visitors can view stars, globular star clusters, and even distant galaxies. Founded by a group of amateur astronomers in 2011, the HCA’s educational mission encourages the public to learn about astronomy and space science. For more information, visit www.hillcountryastronomers.com.
Gates to the LBJ Ranch will open at 7:00 pm. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Restrooms will be available. Flashlights are recommended; lights with a red filter are ideal.
Entry to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off of Ranch Road 1. In case of inclement weather, participants with reservations will be notified of event updates. Updates will also be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/lyjo and the park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS. For information on night skies in national parks, visit www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/explore.htm.
Reservation or Registration: Yes
Image Gallery
NPS Photo
NPS Photo/Douglas Smith