Experience the Night Sky at Dinosaur National Monument

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Name: Experience the Night Sky at Dinosaur National Monument
Date: September 6, 2013 - September 8, 2013
Website: http://nps.gov/dino
Event Description:
Dinosaur National Monument has some of the darkest night skies in the United States. This darkness allows us to enjoy the stars just as people would have hundreds or even thousands of years ago. From Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8, staff at Dinosaur National Monument, along with local astronomers, will offer a variety of programs to help you explore and understand the wonders of our universe. Discover why the skies above the monument are just as important to enjoy and protect as the fossils, stunning scenery, and wild rivers. A variety of programs will be offered both during the day and night.

See the Sun
Did your mom ever tell you to never look at the sun? With proper equipment, like our specially designed solar telescopes, feel free to stare as long as you like at sun spots and prominences on the closest star in our sky.

Meet the Telescopes
Learn how different designs and sizes of telescopes can open your eyes to new worlds

Be a Junior Astronomer
Explore our solar system and the stars around us though hands-on activities and stories. This program is good for all ages and counts as a Dinosaur Junior Ranger Program.
Also, at any time for any age, you can complete at least three pages (five if you are over 12) in our free Junior Ranger Night Explorer Activity book to earn a Night Explorer badge.


Campground Evening Program

Join a ranger at the Green River Campground campfire circle for a 30-45 minute program that will help you make the most of enjoying the sky once the sun sets

Stories Behind the Stars & Telescope Viewing
A variety of telescopes will be available for you to see out star clusters, nebula and other galaxies. Rangers and volunteers will offer naked-eye stargazing programs. Children must be attended at all times and pets are not allowed in the stargazing area. If you have your own telescope and wish to join us, please contact Sonya Berger (435) 781-7701.

Location:
  • See the Sun: back patio of the Quarry Visitor Center.
  • Meet the Telescopes: back patio of the Quarry Visitor Center
  • Be a Junior Astronomer: back patio of the Quarry Visitor Center
  • Campground Evening Program: Green River Campground
  • Stories Behind the Stars & Naked-eye Stargazing: South end of the Split Mountain Campground (look for signs)
Date/Time Information:
See the Sun: 
    Friday, Sept 6 & Saturday, Sept. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. 
    Sunday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet the telescopes: 
    Saturday, Sept. 7 & Sunday, Sept. 8 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Be a Junior Astronomer:
    Saturday, Sept. 7 & Sunday, Sept. 8 - 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Campground Evening Program: 
    Friday, Sept. 6 & Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.
Naked-eye Stargazing Programs:
    Friday, Sept. 6 & Saturday, Sept. 7 at 9, 9:30 & 10 p.m.  
Stories Behind the Stars & Telescope Viewing:
    Friday, Sept. 6 & Saturday, Sept. 7 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
    

Contact Information:
Programs may be added, altered or cancelled due to staffing or weather conditions. Check for updates in person at our visitor centers, call (435) 781-7700, or go online at nps.gov/dino or facebook.com/DinosaurNationalMonument. Specific topics for Junior Astronomer, Campground Evening Program, and Stories Behind the Stars programs will be posted at the Quarry Visitor Center.
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