In consultation with the Springfield Astronomical Society, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield has regrettably postponed the Star Party originally scheduled for October 28, 2022, due to expected cloud cover.
The National Weather Service is forecasting that 41% of the sky will be covered in clouds Friday night, around 8:00 pm, the end of Astronomical twilight. The percentage of cloud coverage increases into the late-night hours. While there may be openings in the sky to see some celestial wonders, the continual obstructions of the moving clouds will limit the opportunities and enjoyment of telescope viewing.
The Star Party has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 12, from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
This free 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 has 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.
This free program is a come-and-go event lasting from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This Star Party will be cancelled in the event of rain or thick cloud cover. Please call the park or check the park website and Facebook page for program updates.
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.
