Event
James Webb Telescope Community Host Event
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Free.Location:
various locations throughout the parkDates & Times
Date:
Friday, September 16, 2022
Time:
2:00 PM
Duration:
9 hours and 30 minutes
Type of Event
Campfire/Evening Program
Festival
Talk
Walk
Various activities throughout the day and evening hours. See details below.
Description
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 all outdoor activitites, bring a red-capable headlamp or flashlight, a camp chair or blanket for sitting, and dress in layers.
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.)
Reservation or Registration: Yes
Participation in the constellation tours and guided walks require advance sign-up. Other events are open to all.
Image Gallery
NPS