James Webb Telescope Community Host Event
Arches National Park and the Moab Information Center will host a James Webb Telescope Community Host Event. Activities are scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening. Most are open to all; some require advance sign-up. See details below.
Daytime Activities:
- Sun, Stars, and More
- Time: 2–5 pm
- Location: Moab Information Center (downtown Moab, corner of Main & Center)
Solar Scope viewing, kid-friendly arts and crafts activity, and a visit from US Forest Service's Smokey Bear
Evening Activities:
- Ranger-led Evening Program
- Time: 6:30–7:15
- Location: Panorama Point
Learn about the Golden Record and how it continues to inspire research and reflection after 45 years in space.
- Meet Smokey Bear!
- Time: 6–6:30 pm
- Location: Panorama Point
- Time: 7:30–8:00 pm
- Location: Arches Visitor Center
- Keynote Speaker
- Time: 8–9 pm
- Location: Arches Visitor Center Plaza
Join Dr. Catherine Whiting of Colorado Mesa University for a presentation on asrtronomical origin stories and a discussion on where the Webb Telescope may help answer questions about the universe. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on.
- Drop-in Ranger Activity
- Time: 8:30–11:30 pm
- Location: Balanced Rock
Learn about the James Webb Space Telescope thorugh a self-guided discovery walk. 0.3 mi/0.4 km accessible trail
- Drop-in Ranger Activity
- Time: 9–11 pm
- Location: Sand Dune Arch Trail
Learn about Arches' status as an International Dark Sky Park through a self-guided walk. 0.4 mi/0.6 km trail
- Telescope Fields
- Time: 9-11 pm
- Locations: Panorama Point and Delicate Arch Viewpoint
Join astronomy staff for a night of close-up views of celestial wonders.
- 20-minute Constellation Tours **Reservation required**
- Times: 9 pm, 9:30 pm, 10 pm, 10:30 pm
Constellation Tour sign-ups will begin at 5:30 pm at Arches Visitor Center on a first-come/first-served, in-person basis.
- Times: 9 pm, 9:30 pm, 10 pm, 10:30 pm
- 60-minute Guided Night Hike **Reservation required**
- Times: 9 pm, 10 pm
Participation will be chosen by lottery. Sign up for a chance starting at 5:30 pm at Arches Visitor Center. Winners will be announced at 7:45 pm at the visitor center.
- Times: 9 pm, 10 pm
Safety Tip
For more information about the inspiration for these activities, visit: James Webb Telescope Overview | NASA and What Is the James Webb Space Telescope? | NASA Space Place – NASA Science for Kids
(This event was originally planned for The Needles at Canyonlands National Park. Road damage from recent flooding required its relocation.)
Fees
This event is free to attend.
Reservation or Registration
Participation in the constellation tours and guided walks require advance sign-up. Other events are open to all.
Location
various locations throughout the park
Schedule
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Various activities throughout the day and evening hours. See details below.
Event Type
- Campfire/Evening Program
- Festival
- Talk
- Walk