HARRISON, Neb.- Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is hosting its first dark sky event of the year, titled “Moon and Planet Alignments” on Friday, June 27, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
The program will start with a ranger led evening hike from the visitor center to the Fossil Hills from 7:00- 9:00. Temperatures will be cooling. Visitors are encouraged to dress in layers. Bug spray is also recommended, for the scenic walk across the prairie with the changing light as the evening deepens.
Western Nebraska Community College Professor Tom Robinson is scheduled to lead the program on the planets and moon alignment in conjunction with telescope viewing of the night sky. A park ranger will be on hand to fill in with constellation spotting and stories. Camping chairs or blankets are recommended for this portion of the program. A red filter or regular flashlight is also recommended for visibility during night sky events.
More information about the upcoming astronomy programs and the night sky at Agate Fossil Beds can be found at https://www.nps.gov/agfo/learn/nature/amazing-night-sky.htm
Admission to Agate Fossil Beds is free.
Information on volunteering is available at https://www.nps.gov/agfo/getinvolved/volunteer.htm or the national volunteer webpage at https://www.volunteer.gov/s/.
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 34 miles north of Mitchell, Nebraska, or 22 miles south of Harrison, Nebraska on Highway 29 and 3 miles east on River Road. The Visitor Center summer hours are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and the trails are open from dawn until dusk. Visit us at www.nps.gov/agfo.
More information on events and activities can be found on the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/agfo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/agatefossilbeds