Dark Skies Festival kicks off next week

In celebration of International Dark Sky Week, join McDonald Observatory and community partners for events showcasing West Texas’ famous dark skies. Events will be held April 13-19 at McDonald Observatory and locations throughout Alpine, Fort Davis, Presidio, Terlingua and other locations.

Check mcdonaldobservatory.org/festival for updates and possible changes. Events currently planned include:

Monday, April 13

• Events possible.

Tuesday, April 14

• 9:15 p.m.—Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5-25). Arrive early for dark sky activities in the visitors center, starting at 8:15 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15

• 9:00 p.m.—Star Party at the Far Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua (free), featuring staff from McDonald Observatory, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend After Dark, Astro Mucho and DarkSky International
• 9:30 p.m.—Star Party at Fort Davis National Historic Site in Fort Davis (free).

Thursday, April 16

• 8:30 p.m.—Backyard Astronomy at Fort Leaton in Presidio. This event is free with admission to Big Bend Ranch State Park, $5 per person 13 and older. Reservations are required and can be made at tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/fort-leaton/backyard-astronomy

Friday, April 17

• 9:15 p.m.—Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5-25). Arrive early for dark sky activities in the visitors center, available starting at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

• 1-4 p.m.—Solar telescope viewings, meteorite demos, and more hands-on activities at the Alpine Gem and Mineral Show, held at the Alpine Civic Center (free).
• 1 p.m.—Telescopes 101 demonstration for kids with Alpine Dark Skies’ Mary Beth at Alpine Public Library (free).
• 1 p.m.—Special Talk: “Lights Out—How Light Pollution Disrupts Bird Migration” at the Alpine Public Library (free).
• 2 p.m.—Special Talk: “Preserving Darkness in an Age of Light” by McDonald Observatory Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator Stephen Hummel at the Alpine Public Library (free).
• 2 p.m.—City of Alpine dark sky logo unveiling in Alpine (free).
• 2:30 p.m.—Alpine High School dark sky coloring book winners announcement in Alpine (free).
• 9 p.m.—Owl Walk with Borderlands Research Institute scientist Maureen Frank at Kokernot Lodge in Alpine (registration required, check back at visitalpinetx.com/alpine-dark-skies-celebration for details.
• 9 p.m.—Star Party in the Borderlands at Big Bend Ranch State Park. This event is free with park admission, $5 per person 13 and older. Reservations required at https://fs18.formsite.com/TPWD/BBRSP_StarParty/index. 
• 9:15 p.m.—Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5-25).
• 9:30 p.m.—Star Party at Kokernot Park Soccer Field in Alpine (free).

Sunday, April 19

• Events possible.