Wonders of the Night Sky Dec. 16

On Saturday, December 16th, you are invited to Wonders of the Night Sky, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument. This free program begins with a 30-minute indoor program, followed by a night sky tour. Join park staff and volunteers from the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society for this special after-dark-in-the park event.

The sky is the largest natural resource at George Washington Carver National Monument. Because of light pollution, natural darkness is becoming rare, and national parks are great places to find the right kind of darkness for outstanding night-time sky viewing. Visitors will learn about celestial navigation, star stories, lunar phases, and the effects of light pollution. George Washington Carver’s life story will be told while viewing seasonal constellations.

Telescopes will be provided to enhance viewing opportunities. Young astronomers will earn a special Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch and certificate by completing learning activities about the night sky. The visitor center will open at 5:30 p.m. Dress for the weather. Call the park or check the social media for program updates.  In case of inclement weather, only the indoor activities will take place.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver – scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website atwww.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.