09/30/2026
💫 🔭 🏔️
We are looking forward to our final Night Sky event of 2026, this Saturday, October 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm! Here are some helpful answers to frequently asked questions about this event:
🌠 What are the Visitor Center hours on the day of a Night Sky event? On the day of the Night Sky event, our Visitor Center will be open from 9 am to 7:30 pm. Feel free to come check out the museum exhibits, bookstore, and trails before the event!
🌠 Is the event on rain or shine? No, the event will be canceled if there are storms forecasted. We will make this decision by noon on the day of the event, and the announcement will be made on our social media pages if we do need to cancel.
🌠 Do I need to reserve beforehand? No, but we advise getting here early. In the past, our Night Sky events have been so popular that the parking lot fills up, and in that case, we will have to turn cars away. Also, please be mindful that arriving after 7:30 pm with headlights on ruins Night Sky vision!
🌠 Is the event family friendly? Yes, 100%! We will even have the elusive Night Sky Explorer book and badge available to be completed.
🌠 What do I bring? Bring a red light if you have it (there will be plenty of red light illuminating the space, so please DON'T use a normal flashlight, which disrupts night sky vision), lawn or camping chairs, plenty of layers and/or blankets to keep warm, and your National Park pass or a way to pay the entrance fee.
🌠 Do I need to bring my own telescope? No, CSASTRO will provide telescopes and set them up for the public to view interesting space objects. If you have your own telescope you’d like to set up, you are welcome to. And our Hornbek Homestead parking lot is always open for independent Night Sky viewing!
Please call the Visitor Center if you have additional questions, and our Rangers will be happy to assist!
Photo Credit: Dale Poll
Alt text: The Hornbek Homestead at night with the Milky Way and dark starry sky above