Join us on the evening of September 24th for our Autumn Star Party! Programs and kids' activities start at 5:00pm with star gazing through telescopes and astrophotography with Marty DeWitt starting at 8:30 in the median! The schedule will run as follows:
5:00-5:45 The Dark Sky Movement: Night Preservation and Restoration. Diane Knutson, Board President, International Dark-Sky Association (Visitor Center Theater)
6:00-7:00 “Path of Planets” Tour for kids (and kids-at-heart) around the Trail with Dr. Larry Browning
7:00-8:30 Dakota/Lakota constellations (theater), hands-on activity stations (build a rocket, make a planosphere, earn a Jr. Night Explorer patch!)
8:30-10:00 Star gaze with Dr.’s Grau, Vondruska, and Browning, the Brookings astronomy club, and AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) and Astrophotography with Marty Dewitt (bring your DSLR or mirrorless camera & tripod!)
This is an informal and relaxed event, so feel free to attend some or all of the events as you're able to and see your park after dark!
This event is free and open to the public (including the cider, cocoa, and snacks - while supplies last!). Bring layers and any questions about the cosmos you may have!