Presented By: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument & Grand Staircase Escalante Partners
Moon & Star Party!
THE FIRST STAR PEOPLE
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Darkest Province in the Lower Forty-Eight!

Date: Friday, May 17, 2019
Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Escalante Location: Head of the Rocks Scenic Overlook on Scenic Byway 12
Directions: From Escalante, drive east on Scenic Byway 12 for 10 miles. Please carpool if possible. No restroom on site.

Description: Join area night sky enthusiasts, Southern Paiute Environmental Director Daniel Bulletts* and BLM night sky Ranger Shawn Duffy for a moon & star party in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. More than 90% of GSENM enjoys pristine dark sky conditions, meaning that observers see no indication of artificial skyglow anywhere in the night sky, from the zenith down to the horizon. In such conditions only natural sources of light, such as starlight, airglow, aurora and zodiacal light, are visible to the human eye. This absence of light pollution is one of the many superlative natural resources of the Monument.

Astronomy has been practiced here for thousands of years and although native cultures did not leave written records, evidence exists of their keen interest in and vast knowledge of the stars, sun, and moon. So, why then, are Native Americans astronomers? Learn answers to this question as well as how measurements of exceptional natural darkness across the breadth of the Monument distinguish GSENM as one of the darkest places left in the lower 48 states! Telescopes, large and small, will facilitate dazzling views of the heavens. Celebrate the night with live music by singer songwriter Rex Seabury (aka Utah Slim), Take a tour of the constellations, enjoy lunar exploration and star stories. Bring water, a flashlight (red is best), a camp chair if you’d like to sit, and be prepared for chilly nighttime temperatures. *Kanab event only.

For additional information about this event:
Event Contact Name: Allysia Angus, GSENM Landscape Architect

Event Contact Phone: 435-826-5615

Event Contact Email: aangus@blm.gov