By Cecilia Shields, Chief of Interpretation and EducationFlagstaff AZ (June 16, 2014) – Join Sunset Crater Volcano this summer for our 4th year of celebrating the incredible dark skies and inspiring starscapes of Northern Arizona. Whether you are an experienced stargazer, an amateur, or have never looked through a telescope, our incredible volunteer astronomers and park rangers will be on hand to help you get the most out of the night skies.
National Park Rangers and volunteers from the National Park Service Astro VIP program and the Astronomers of the Verde Valley will present unique family science activities for families. The events will take place at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. “We want families to fall in love with the amazing night skies and wonderful night time ecosystems of the National Parks and to take that love back to their own backyards and communities,” said Park Ranger Holly Richards.
All of the night sky programs and activities are free of charge. The entrance fee for day time activities is $5.00/person for visitors 16 and over. America the Beautiful Passes are honored and sold. For information, contact Holly Richards at holly_richards@nps.gov.
Summer 2014 Event Dates
Saturday, June 21st
- Solar Viewing from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- Astronomy Presentation from 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm.
- Telescope Viewing and Constellation Tours from 8:45 pm – 10:30 pm.
Saturday, July 19th
- Solar Viewing from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- Astronomy Presentation from 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm.
- Telescope Viewing and Constellation Tours from 8:45 pm – 10:30 pm.
Saturday, August 16
- Solar Viewing from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- Astronomy Presentation from 7:30 pm – 8:15 pm.
- Telescope Viewing and Constellation Tours from 8:15 pm – 10:00 pm.
Event Location
Sunset Crater Volcano is located 12 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 89. All events will take place at the Lava Flow Trail parking lot, located 1.5 miles east of the Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center on the park Loop Drive (FS 545).
What to Know Before You Go
For night time events, lighting will be very limited. Families should plan to bring their own flashlights – preferably with red light. Once you arrive, use caution until your eyes adjust to the reduced light. Night time temperatures around Flagstaff can be quite cool, even in the summer.
Star Gazing Tip: Our night vision is very sensitive to white light. For any night time event, try using a red-light flashlight. You will be surprised at how many more stars you can see. You can make a red-light flashlight by covering an ordinary flashlight in red cellophane.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located 12 miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89 and can be reached at (928)526-0502 and www.nps.gov/sucr.