Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the wonders of the night sky in the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve with a full day and NIGHT of events Saturday April 26th!
The McDonald Observatory Visit Package Contest is now closed to entries.
Education and Outreach at the Alpine Farmers Market 9am-Noon
Alpine Visitor Center
Saturday morning at the Alpine Visitor Center you can learn about light pollution and how it effects animals. And see how you can help make it better! With examples of proper outdoor lighting fixtures and info on the City of Alpine Light Ordinance.
All this while we celebrate Earth Day with Keep Alpine Beautiful! There will games and activities for kids of all ages. Conservation and wildlife partners from around the Big Bend Region will be here with information, activities and giveaways.
McDonald Observatory
Alpine Dark Sky Team
ABC Birds
Tierra Grande Texas Master Naturalists
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
SRSU Greenhouse/Agave Seed Propagation Project.
Texas A&M Forest Service
Borderlands Research Institute
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department – Davis Mountains State Park and Balmorhea State Park
SRSU Art Club – Face painting
Alpine Public Library
SRSU Archeology Club
SRSU Range and wildlife club
Plus we have a NEW sustainability initiative we are kicking off! This is a BIG partnership between Visit Alpine, Keep Alpine Beautiful and area hospitality businesses. And for you it means a COOL giveaway!
And you can shop the Alpine Farmers Market vendors.
Astrophotography Presentation
Alpine Public Library 2pm
George Hamilton of Spear 3 Photography and Kyle Yepsen, Deputy Director of CreatiVets will be offering a presentation on dark skies and the work CreatiVets is doing with astrophotography.
Hamilton is an Austin based photographer and veteran. He says, The goal of Spear 3 is to find a way to bring the incredible tapestry of the world into people’s lives and then use the proceeds from these efforts to assist in charitable causes focusing on Wildlife Conservation and aiding the impoverished around the world. As I work to make an impact, I hope you enjoy the stories and art!”
CreatiVets’ goal is to offer opportunities for relief and healing for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. They use various forms of art, including songwriting, visual arts, music, and creative writing, to help disabled veterans cope with service-related trauma (i.e., post-traumatic stress, or PTS) by fostering self-expression in a way that allows them to transform their stories of trauma and struggle into an art form that can inspire and motivate continued healing.
The Astrophotography presentation is free and open to the public, no registration is required.
The field workshop to teach astrophotography basics has been placed on hold. If you are interested please email visitorcenter@visitalpinetx.com
STAR PARTY! 9PM
Kokernot Park at Dusk
The night ends with an incredible Star Party at the Kokernot Park Soccer Field in Alpine led by McDonald Observatory Dark Sky Expert Stephen Hummel. After the walk through the stars look through high powered telescopes with expert operators to guide you and explain the wonders of the night sky. The Star Party is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! You will want to arrive at dusk and bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Dress warm for the temperature drop when the sun goes down.
McDonald Observatory is hosting a whole week of Dark Sky events! https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festival
Find more information about the dark skies and how to preserve them https://visitalpinetx.com/attractions/#dark-sky-friendly-awards-recognitions-and-promotional-opportunities