News Release

Night Sky Festival is Back, Will Include New Jr. Ranger Patch

News Release Date: July 5, 2017

Contact: Zach Behrens, 805-370-2385

Thousand Oaks, CA - With the new moon that evening, the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower nearing its peak, and the total solar eclipse the next month, the National Park Service is excited to present its annual summer Night Sky Festival in the Santa Monica Mountains on Saturday, July 22.

Around 15 telescopes will be directed at other planets and objects in our Milky Way Galaxy. Fun, educational children's’ activities will be available, including a chance to become a Night Sky Junior Ranger! And there will be door prizes for the first 100 visitors!

The festival will also include a presentation on preserving the night sky by Dr. Travis Longcore. Dr. Longcore is a leading expert in the environmental and ecological effects of night lighting, including avian collisions with structures, attraction of insects to lights, and the disruption of behavioral and physiological processes across species. He is an assistant professor of architecture, spatial sciences, and biological sciences at USC.

The event goes from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.:

• 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Kid’s Activities
• 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Native American night sky stories by Hupa native Kat High
• 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p. m.: Preserving the Night Sky, a Presentation by Dr. Travis Longcore
• 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Telescope Viewing

Parking and entrance is free. Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura, CA 91301. Red lens flashlights are recommended to help preserve visitors’ night vision throughout the event (red cellophane and rubber bands will be provided). For more information please call the visitor center at 805-370- 2301.