Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and Hill Country Astronomers (HCA) invite you to attend free planetarium and dark sky programs and a star party at the LBJ Ranch on Saturday, March 14.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the National Park Service will host programs highlighting the marvels of the night sky and the importance of preserving dark skies. HCA will set up telescopes and offer a stargazing experience.
The planetarium program will be a Stellarium presentation at 6:30 p.m. by HCA member John Watson in the auditorium of the Hangar visitor center, featuring dramatic audio-visual depictions of the night sky.
Stellarium is a free, downloadable, planetarium program that allows the viewer to explore the wonders of the night sky. The presentation will engage park visitors by showing what they may see through the lens of a telescope during the star party, as well as other wonders of the night sky. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions during the presentation.
At 7:15 p.m., Wayne Gosnell, president of the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky and member of the Night Sky Team of the Hill Country Alliance, will present “Big and Bright are the Stars at Night.”
Gosnell’s presentation will emphasize that area residents are fortunate to enjoy beautiful night skies. He will discuss threats to the region’s night skies and the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, human health, the local economy and the region’s heritage, and will provide tips on dark sky-friendly lighting.
After the programs, guests may join the astronomers from 7:50 until 9:30 p.m. for views through their telescopes. The telescopes will be set up at the south end of the runway east of the Hangar.
The star party sponsors selected this date to offer an evening view of brilliant Venus, followed by star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies.
LBJ National Historical Park offers a dark sky that is ideally located in the center of the Texas Hill Country.
HCA is an organization open to anyone interested in astronomy. It has members from all walks of life and promotes learning about astronomy and protecting the beauty of dark, night skies.
Entry to the LBJ Ranch is located north of US Highway 290, just off Ranch Road 1.
The programs will occur rain or shine. In case of questionable viewing conditions, call 830-644-2396 for star party updates. The park will also post updates on the park website at www.nps.gov/lyjo and the park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LBJohnsonNPS.
