(Joplin, MO) – The night sky is the largest natural resource at George Washington Carver National Monument. On Saturday, December 17 beginning at 6:00 pm, park staff will present Wonders of the Night Sky. This free program begins with a 30-minute indoor program, followed by a night sky tour. Come learn about celestial navigation, star stories, lunar phases, and the effects of light pollution. Join park staff, volunteers from the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society, and the Missouri Chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association for this special “after dark in the park” event. Natural darkness is becoming rare. National parks harbor some of the last remaining portals of darkness in this country.
Telescopes will be provided to enhance viewing opportunities. Young astronomers can earn a special “Junior Ranger Night Explorer” patch and certificate by learning more about the night sky. Kids of all ages can also learn about our moon, constellations, and other planets with various activities and crafts. Please ask a park ranger for details when you arrive.
The program will be canceled in case of inclement weather. Call the park or check the park’s Facebook page for program updates.
About George Washington Carver National Monument:
Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Please call the park at 417.325.4151 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for further information. Visit our website at www.nps.gov/gwca and Facebook page. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then south ¼ mile on Carver Road.
About the National Park Service:
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the 423 parks in the National Park System and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
Reference:
Diane Eilenstein, Supervisory Park Ranger
George Washington Carver National Monument
417.325.4151
Be the first to comment