The night sky is the largest natural resource at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. On Friday, October 28, 2022, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, join park staff and astronomers from the Springfield Astronomical Society for a Star Party! This free program is a come-and-go event located at stop number five (5) along the tour road. This public gathering will provide opportunities for stargazers of all ages to peer into the night sky through a variety of high-powered telescopes.
Telescope operators will provide opportunities for the public to possibly view rings of Saturn or the Great Red Spot of Jupiter. Other telescopes may provide a view of star clusters, nebulae or far off galaxies. Park staff will provide Constellation Tours using a green laser pointer to highlight what you can see with your own eyes.
The National Park Service developed a Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, encouraging young park visitors to explore the starry side of their national parks. Young astronomers can pick up a Night Explorer booklet and complete activities to earn a special Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch and certificate.
White flashlights and cell phone lights are discouraged at this event as they hinder the human eye from adjusting to low light. Red flashlights provide for a safe environment without interfering with our low light vision. A limited amount of red cellophane and rubber bands will be available to convert a standard white flashlight to a red flashlight. Please dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear.
The Wilson’s Creek NB Foundation will serve hot chocolate and warm apple cider while supplies last.
The Star Party will be cancelled in the event of rain or thick cloud cover. Please call the park at 417-732- 2662 ext. 227 or check the park website and Facebook page for program updates at www.nps.gov/wicr and https://www.facebook.com/Wilsons-Creek-National-Battlefield-140802912626881/.
Administered by the National Park Service, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major battle of the Civil War in the West. The Confederate victory on August 10, 1861, focused greater national attention on the war in Missouri, leading to greater federal military action. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Missouri at the intersection of Highway ZZ and Farm Road 182.
Original source can be found here.
