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Destination: Darkness
A guide to summer's best public stargazing programs
compiled by Doug Addison
On moonless nights, the pure white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument stretch like a featureless sea, with no shadows or trees to provide depth. Jet fighters from Holloman Air Force Base rumble across the desert basin, their afterburners tracing streaks of blue and orange across the dark sky.
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The United States at night. (NOAA)
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It is an otherworldly setting — perfect for watching other worlds.
On Friday nights when the Moon doesn't interfere, after a dusk slide show on the wonders of the desert ecosystem, park rangers point out the wonders of the heavens, from prominent planets and constellations to the subtle glow of the Milky Way. And the dunes are open until 10 p.m. for do-it-yourself skywatchers.
White Sands is one of a handful of public parks, recreational areas, and other out-of-the-way spots that augment the dark skies of their remote locales with
stargazing programs for visitors.
If your summer vacation takes you far from city lights, you may find a nearby spot to enjoy the night sky as you never see it from your backyard.
Table Mountain
More than 1,100 people attended the Table Mountain Star Party last summer, which, according to organizers, makes it the largest in the country. At an elevation of more than 6,000 feet, says Roy Gephart, president of the Tri-City Astronomy Club of Richland, Washington, "observers are miles from nowhere."
July 23-25
www.tmspa.com
Yosemite National Park
Astronomy clubs from central California take turns hosting Friday- and Saturday-night star parties at Glacier Point (elevation 7,200 feet) throughout the summer, from the last weekend in June through Labor Day, except for a couple of full Moon weekends. Visitors are welcome to bring a telescope. Glacier Point is open at night, but be sure to check in with a park ranger to see that there's no conflict.
Most Fridays and Saturdays all summer, call ahead to confirm.
209-372-0265
www.nps.gov/yose/
Rocky Mountain National Park
At one of America's most majestic and popular national parks, local astronomy clubs share the night sky with visitors -- often staying until the wee hours of the morning. The Park owns two eight-inch telescopes; others are provided by club volunteers.
Fridays through August near first and last quarter Moons
970-586-1206
www.nps.gov/romo
lamar.colostate.edu/~rmoench/rocky.html
Skywatcher's Inn Bed & Breakfast
Amateur astronomers and professors lead astronomy sessions for guests at the adjacent Vega-Bray Observatory, which houses a 14.5-inch Newtonian telescope with CCD camera, several smaller telescopes and binoculars, and dark skies 47 miles east of Tucson. A science classroom is available for groups.
By reservation
520-745-2390
White Sands National Monument
Park rangers and Alamogordo amateur astronomers lead star talks and star parties at this otherworldly site. Highlights include "Astronomy of the Ancient Americans" summer solstice program on June 21 and Perseid meteor watch on August 12.
Fridays at 9 p.m. starting May 22
505-479-6124 or 679-2599, ext. 232
www.nps.gov/whsa
Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit
Dakota Astronomical Society member John Gramza says you can almost read by the light of the Milky Way in North Dakota. The state's arid climate and low population make for exceptionally clear, dark skies. Residents celebrate their remoteness every summer with the Dakota Skywatch in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Watford City, population 2,000, lies 15 miles north. To the south, east, and west, there's nothing for 60 miles.
August 1-2
www.nps.gov/thro/tr_stars.htm
Merritt Reservoir
According to Nebraka amateur astronomer Mark Dahmke, the Omaha Astronomical Society chose the site for its annual star party by looking for the "black hole" in Nebraska on nighttime satellite photos. Last year more than 350 attended the Nebraska Star Party and there were more than 100 telescopes. In addition to great dark skies, the park offers excellent facilities for family vacations.
July 18-25
402-466-4170
www.4w.com/nsp
Cumberland Falls State Park
Boasting the only "moonbow" in the west ern hemisphere, Cumberland Falls State Park encourages visitors to enjoy the show from the base of the park's 125-foot namesake falls on evenings nearest the full Moon. Camping, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting also are available.
May 9-13, July 7-11, and Sept 4-8; call for additional dates
606-528-4121
www.state.ky.us/agencies/parks/parkhome.htm
Julian Price Park Picnic Area
Every year in September and October, the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club sponsors the Blue Ridge Parkway Regional Stargaze Parts 1 and 2. The event is open to the public and is held at Julian Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Sept. 19 and Oct. 17
704-396-7656
users.twave.net/jafowiz/brprs.htm
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Slide shows and telescope viewings on every other Friday draws curious stargazers to the amphitheater of the Fort Pickens Visitor Center of Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola. Sky maps are provided free to all in attendance.
Friday evenings at dusk
850-934-2600
www.nps.gov/guis
www.meteor.pen.net
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