Astro Parks

28/10/2021

Four days until Halloween! The rapidly increasing darkness in Alaska this time of year really sets the mood for the holiday. Throughout October, Denali has been losing over six minutes of daylight a day. One benefit of all that darkness is the opportunity for lucky visitors to enjoy watching the northern lights. This aurora, photographed back in 2013, shows both a green and a rarely seen purple aurora.

Photographs like this one do an impressive job of capturing vivid colors, often making them look brighter than they would appear to the naked eye. But pictures can't capture the mesmerizing and sometimes eerie movement of the lights. On nights when the aurora is very active, it shimmers and dances across the sky as if it exists in a different dimension.

What’s the spookiest natural phenomenon you’ve ever seen?

NPS Photo / Kent Miller

24/09/2021

This Saturday this view is free. This Saturday is National Public Lands Day and all public lands are free meaning no entrance fees. Many parks will also have volunteer activities for the day like clean ups in and around their sites. Go enjoy the day and stay for the light show that starts after dark.
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Thanks to Charley for the sweet Milky Way view.
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Follow the great things that is doing to preserve and support the public lands in the Moab area.
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Traditional Indigenous Lands-
Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute)

18/09/2021

Half the park is after dark and Yosemite does not disappoint.
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Thanks to Mark for the magical moment.
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Milky Way Rising Above Yosemite Valley…

www.marklillyphotography.com
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Follow along with for more Yosemite magic.
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Traditional Indigenous Lands-
Me-Wuk (Southern Sierra Miwok)

08/09/2021

Great Basin National Park is one of the darkest spots in the United States. What better time to appreciate this park's clear night sky, then on International Day of Clean Air?

Good air quality coupled with a lack of light pollution give visitors majestic starry views of Wheeler Peak. On clear, moonless nights at Great Basin, thousands of stars, numerous planets, star clusters, meteors, man-made satellites, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye.

The area boasts some of the darkest night skies left in the country. Low humidity, good air quality, and minimal light pollution, combined with high elevation, create a unique window to the universe.

Photo by John Vermette (sharetheexperience.org)

18/08/2021

Chaco Culture National Historical Park has long been considered by many night sky enthusiasts to be one of the best places in America to stargaze. Today, amidst this ancient landscape, visitors can experience the same dark sky that the Chacoans observed a thousand years ago. The protection of dark night skies is a priority at Chaco not only for the enjoyment of star-gazing visitors, but for the natural environment as well. Nocturnal wildlife relies on darkness for survival, and the natural rhythms of humans and plants depend on an unaltered night sky. By designating over 99% of the park as a "natural darkness zone", in which no permanent outdoor lighting exists, Chaco is ensuring the preservation of these nocturnal ecosystems. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/chcu/learn/nature/darkskypark.htm

Image: Fajada Butte stands in silhouette against the night sky and Milky Way at New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park. NPS/Bettymaya Foot

20/07/2021

Today is 🌚 making it a great day to look up into the night sky 🔭 and reflect on all the advances humankind has made in space exploration 🚀. This annual holiday marks the anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission which celebrates humanity's first landing and walking on the moon 🌙.

While we can't take you to the moon, we can take you for a walk beneath it.

If you're interested in joining one of these ranger-led full moon hikes this month, we are offering them on two nights this week: Thursday (July 22nd) and Friday (July 23rd). Participation is limited, and is based on a lottery system. In order to sign up for the lottery, you will need to register in person at the visitor center tent between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm on the day of the hike. The lottery winners will be announced shortly after 4:00 and winners have til 4:15 to redeem their tickets.

GENERAL RULES:
* children 7 and under not permitted
* lug traction shoes are required to be shown at time of registration
* white lights are not allowed

Visit this link for more information:
https://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/fullmoonhikes.htm



Photo NPS/Peter Densmore
(TS)

16/07/2021

It's that time again for the Friday FAQ.

According to our Astro Intern Caleb, one of the most common questions we receive is:

Q: Does Bryce Canyon offer night sky interpretive programs?

A: Yes we do

🌌 Constellation tours are offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Registration for these programs can take place at the visitor center desk the day of the program you wish to attend. Be aware there is limited availability for these programs, so the earlier you sign up 📝 in the morning the better chance you have at attending. The constellation programs last ~20 minutes; times and location are given during registration. No telescopes 🔭 are being used at this time.

🌚 Full moon hikes are only offered during the full moon, and attendance is based on a lottery system 🎟. You can enter the lottery at the visitor center the day of the hike; the lottery is drawn at the visitor center at 4:00pm 🗳. The times and location of the hikes are kept secret til guests win the lottery, but expect to walk roughly 1-2 miles, and lug-traction footwear 🥾 is required.

💡 Be aware that white light can affect people's night vision, so we ask that you be considerate of others and not bring any white lights to these programs. This includes flashlights 🔦, cameras 📸, and cell phones 📴. Red lights are recommended.

⌚ We also ask that you arrive for each of these interpretive programs at least 10-15 minutes before their scheduled time.

⚠️ Be aware that if there is inclimate weather, the night sky programs may be canceled. Rangers will try to notify you of cancelations before the scheduled time.



Photo NPS/Zach Gorski
(TS)

📱 The Friday FAQ is an attempt to help you, the guest, plan out portions of your trip to Bryce Canyon in advance. We hope this helps optimize your time spent in the park. Check the hashtag to see if we have already answered the question that has been on your mind.

16/07/2021

The universe is full of amazement. Settle down and take some of it in.
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Thanks to Kelly for the dreamy night at Devils Tower National Monument.
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A big sky full of stars is all that you need to feel small in this world
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Traditional Indigenous Lands-
Apsaalooké (Crow)
Cheyenne
Očhéthi Šakówiŋ

22/06/2021

Have a dreamy night.
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Thanks to Evan for the dream from Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP.
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Who else wants to go star gazing in one of America’s most unrated parks!? ✨🌌🌜 (Shot with a7Rii & 14-24mm f/2.8 lens)|Cropped for IG| DM for Prints!
📸 [Camera Settings] Iso:50, Aperture: f/11, Shutter speed: 1/20sec, Focus Length: 14mm, Exposure Blend: Yes, Focus Stack: Yes
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Follow as they work to protect views like this.
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Traditional Ingenious Lands-
Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) land.

18/06/2021

Standing in the immense darkness, surrounded by the white alkali flats of Soda Lake, you can almost hear the silence.

Only a few hours from Los Angeles, the Bureau of Land Management - California's Carrizo Plain National Monument offers visitors a rare chance to be alone with nature.

A trip here means planning for a backcountry adventure with plenty of water, food, and fuel.

Photo by Jesse Pluim, Bureau of Land Management

17/06/2021

Cosmically perfect.
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Thanks to Michael for the Mt. Rainier goodness. Just fabulous.
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"Ascension"
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16/05/2021

A tapestry of thousands of stars awaits visitors to Helper and Price where conditions are some of the best for exploring the night sky.

07/04/2021

It’s Find a dark sky in your favorite park. It will be cosmic.
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Thanks to Shane for the night out at Big Bend.
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Perfectly balanced. During my Big Bend trip, me, , and hiked up to Balanced Rock around 3am to capture the Milky Way rising over this classic viewpoint. Final image is a blue hour foreground exposure with a tracked Milky Way exposure from earlier in the morning. Also yes, obligatory eggplant emoji: 🍆

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05/03/2021

Heavenly views.
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Thanks to Adam for the Yosemite moment.
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In addition to shooting the Firefalls, I spent most evenings attempting what I am going to call Lunar Lightscapes. Essentially, I was photographing the beautiful Yosemite National Park under moonlight.
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While most of my night shots feature the Milky Way, I liked the mood of simply capturing the scenery under starry skies as they glowed in the soft white lunar light.
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This photo features Yosemite Falls and was captured around 8pm under a 23% moon. I hope you enjoy the new creative endeavor and am open to any questions you have!!
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Follow for more beauty from Yosemite.

01/03/2021

When the stars come out the night becomes a delight.
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Thanks to Daniel for the beauty of Grand Teton.
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Last night we are I saw that it was going to be clear skies. The wind didn’t corporate with 40mph wind gust. In between the gust I was able to take this long exposure. That might be a billion stars.


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10/02/2021

There is amazement to be found after dark in the parks.
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Thanks to for the incredible view from Arches.
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Double Arch at in completely lived up to my expectations. 😍🌌 Can't wait till we head back and spend more time
📸 Shot on 5dmkiii with 14mm 1.4
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at 2.8 & 800 iso
On tripod


                                           
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Follow for more amazement.

24/01/2021

May the weekend be a dreamy one.
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Thanks to James for the magnificent night at Joshua Tree.
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HYPNOTIZE 💫
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Shot alongside


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Follow and to help and support this magnificent park.

10/01/2021

Grand Canyon National Park

It will be a cold and clear night here at Grand Canyon. With the moon rising at almost 3 a.m., there should be plenty of sparkling stars to look up at, including the constellation Orion, which contains the asterism Orion's Belt. -AR

What’s your favorite constellation or asterism?



-AR
NPS/J.M. White
A vast canyon is seen below a star-filled sky.

08/01/2021

National Park Service

Everyone needs a little space sometimes.⁣
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Do you remember the first time you saw the Milky Way? Looking up and feeling a part of that immense and coldly beautiful universe? Parks are a great place to take in the night sky! Nighttime views and environments are among the critical park features the National Park Service protects. Night sky protection enhances qualities of solitude and undeveloped wilderness character that animals depend on for survival, park visitors seek for connections, and many cultural-historical parks require for preservation.⁣⁣ Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/index.htm
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Image: The Milky Way stretches across the night sky at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Two trees are starkly silhouetted in the foreground. NPS/Jacob W Frank⁣ ⁣
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07/01/2021

Visit Utah

Visit Utah

Welcome to our new series, "Let's Talk Utah", hosted by Utah locals!

In this first episode, avid photographer Prajit Ravindran explores Utah's dark sky reputation and shares his advice on capturing the night skies in Capitol Reef National Park.

Plus: It's the park's 49th birthday today! 🎈

06/01/2021

David Fowers Photography

I just got the photos from my Mars vacay developed... 😉

05/01/2021

U.S. Department of the Interior

“A sky as pure as water bathed the stars and brought them out.“ – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Treat yourself to a Milky Way view from Acadia National Park in Maine. You can almost hear the waves crashing 30 feet below as the darkness brings out an incredible array of stars. Taken over the summer, stargazing is an exhilarating way to experience time on public lands and national parks. Consider this your reminder to look up. Each season brings a charming view of our unique galaxy and a sense of wonder. Photo courtesy of Nevin Johnson (.in.color).

29/12/2020

David Fowers Photography

I haven't really experimented with astrophotography that much, but this weekend I devoted most of my time at finding some amazing compositions. Luckily I had mostly clear skies, no moon and the galactic core lined up nicely over the Chesler Park area of the park. Many thanks to for providing some terrific pointers!

28/12/2020

National Park Geek

Starry nights are not too bad at Badlands National Park.
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Thanks to Mike for the beautiful night.
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The stars and Milky Way light the way over Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
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Follow and support as they help to protect these beautiful lands.

28/12/2020

Bos Exposures

Oogling the Milkyway on the road Going to the Sun... The time was around 11:30ish pm just after the moon sank beneath the mountainous silhouettes ⛰🌛 I had dreamed of doing this for years and the view surpassed every fantastic notion my mind could ever have desired... 15 minutes after I captured this image, karma blessed me with an AWE-mazing Aurora (aka Northern Lights) show from Logan Pass, which I swooned over until the suns glow began to caress the horizon 💚💜💙 I am a lucky, LUCKY man 🙏🏼 .
Captured Sept '19, Single Image, Z7, 14mm, F 1.8, 25 seconds, ISO 2500





























@ Glacier National Park

23/12/2020

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

On this , take a to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Milky Way. The days are getting longer and the new year approaches. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2021.



Time-lapse video from the Burr Trail, one of the darkest places in the U.S. The bright ribbon of the Milky Way galaxy moves from left to right. Planes and satellites streak across a sky filled with thousands of stars. The video concludes with dawn breaking, bringing light to the cliffs.

NPS video / James McClean

23/12/2020

U.S. Department of the Interior

'Tis the season for dazzling light shows. Dark winter nights, though cold and long, give us more time with the stars. Or in this case, the captivating sway and shimmer of aurora borealis at Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The waves of color come from bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields as they interact with elements in the Earth's atmosphere. Northern lights happen all year long, but we need darkness to see them. It's a reminder that we all live in a universe full of bright objects. If you're going out to admire the night sky on public lands, dress warmly, check the website for current conditions and be sure to come back and tell us about it! Photograph Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex by Keith Ramos, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Check out these helpful astrophotography tips for starry skies and northern lights: https://medium.com/usfws/night-sky-for-night-owls-207d924fa787

23/12/2020

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

2020 has been a tough year, so we are taking a time-out to enjoy peaceful moments at national parks! Enjoy this peaceful moment of the night sky at Joshua Tree National Park!

We like to look at the bright side, so we invite you to think: what is one peaceful moment you owe to 2020, one you might not have experienced in a different year?

NPS/ Hannah Schwalbe

alt text: A timelapse video of clouds and the sky in the background of park boulders

18/12/2020

Bryce Canyon National Park

Today marks 57 years since the passage of the 1963 Clean Air Act, which was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution monitoring and control. Clean air here at Bryce Canyon isn't only essential for enjoying distant landforms and protecting life within the park, it's also key to astronomy and the enjoyment of our beautiful night skies--including a very special celestial event just around the corner.

For the next week, look off into the southwestern horizon shortly after the glow of the sunset has dissipated and see if you can spot two bright dots that are near one another (this photo from last night shows them just above the moon, though the moon will move from this area of the sky over the coming nights). These are the largest planets in our solar system--the brighter dot is Jupiter, and just above it to the left is Saturn. Follow these planets for the next few days and watch as they draw nearer and nearer until, on December 21st, they will appear to align. This is known as the Great Conjunction.

From our vantage point as inhabitants of planet Earth, Jupiter and Saturn cross paths every 20 years as they travel along their track around the Sun. So what makes this event so special? The last time that Jupiter and Saturn have aligned this closely during the night was nearly 800 years ago (the last conjunction where the planets were this close together was nearly 400 years ago but it occurred too close to the Sun to be visible)!

If you're in the park, you can come join us on December 21st to observe this rare cosmic event. Rangers will be at Yovimpa Point just after sunset to identify the location of the great conjunction, present constellation tours, and answer any other questions to fulfill your astronomical wonderings. Please bring warm layers, a mask, and your own pair of binoculars (if you have them) and arrive early as the spectacle will only be visible for a short period of time after the sun sets at 5:14 p.m.

Read more about Air Quality at Bryce Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/articles/airprofiles-brca.htm



Photo Jesse Gates
(jg)

17/12/2020

Joshua Tree National Park

Night sky photos -- or if you ask your cell phone, an entirely black photo. In today's , learn how to feature one of Joshua Tree's most beautiful features: the dark night sky.

To fully capture the stars in the sky, and even the Milky Way, you'll first need a tripod. Because night sky photos require a slow shutter speed, the camera must remain absolutely still. Cameras and lenses with low f-stops are also great tools for stunning astrophotography.

Some standard (but not required) settings for night sky photography are a low f-stop (in this photo, f/2.8), a slow shutter speed (anywhere from 10-35 seconds, depending on a variety of factors), and a high ISO (this one was taken at ISO 4000).

What settings do you prefer for photos of the night sky?

Photo: NPS / Emily Hassell

17/12/2020

U.S. Department of the Interior

Where will you be tonight? As a planet, we'll be smack dab in the middle of a dust cloud. Will you step outside and see if you can spot a meteor or two? Due to the new moon, skies will be especially dark, perfect for watching the Geminid meteor shower! Want to learn more about the science behind meteor showers? Check out Haleakalā National Park's newest podcast Gift of the Geminids. https://www.nps.gov/podcasts/stars-above-haleakala-podcast.htm

Night sky photo of Haleakalā by Nick Manwill (www.sharetheexperience.org).

17/12/2020

National Park Geek

Some of our favorite moments in National Parks are when they turn off the lights.
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Thanks to Alec for the beautiful night at Zion.
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“Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and are not our stars the flowers of the heaven.”
– A.J. Balfour
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Follow for all the magic and stories of this beautiful place.

07/12/2020

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

November 16, 2020. We're sharing this video because it's just after the new moon, and the Leonid Meteor Shower is talking place this week! https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/meteors-and-meteorites/leonids/in-depth/

Once the sun sets at Grand Canyon and the sky gets dark, you can see stars and planets filling the sky – so many stars, it’s hard to count them all! Grand Canyon National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, which means we’ve worked to reduce our light pollution and people and animals can enjoy the night sky.

More Dark Sky videos from the 2020 Grand Canyon Star Party:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm

An audio described version of this video may be found here:
https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=B8CB3FF1-A15B-491C-8CAB-3359FF99904E

04/12/2020

Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Colder months are not always considered ideal for stargazing. For one, it's freezing outside! Additionally, the most vibrant section of The Milky Way is hidden from view. But there are some positives to this time of year as well:

Night skies reveal themselves much sooner - by 7:00 PM, the sky is fully dark. Transparency generally improves, meaning more clarity and fainter stars can be seen. Beautiful constellations such as Orion become visible, and one of the best meteor showers, the Geminids, peaks around December 13-14th.

At Zion, The Pa'Rus Trail and Human History Museum patio are some of the best locations for stargazing in the park.

Here are some tips for stargazing safely at Zion: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/sunset-stargazing.htm

NPS / Avery Sloss - A time lapse shows moonrise on The Temples and Towers with stars moving from Earth's rotation.

25/11/2020

National Park Geek

When the stars come out good times are ahead.
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Thanks to Moe .wandering for showing off the beautiful night at Joshua Tree.
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Patience paid off that night. Although thy milky way is not visible this time of year I still captured the International space station (ISS) (right side of the photo halfway up).

Joshua Tree NP is designated as a dark sky location by the .

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Follow & this season to help keep this beautiful park magnificent.