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!
Enter to Win a McDonald Observatory Visit Package
Sign up for Alpine’s email newsletter and enter to win four passes for a McDonald Observatory guided tour, and four passes to one of their renowned Star Parties!
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.
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 2pm
Alpine Public Library
Visit Alpine and McDonald Observatory are excited to bring George Hamilton and Kyle Yepsen to talk about astrophotography and CreatiVets, a program that helps veterans express themselves creatively.
Kyle is the deputy director of CreatiVets and has seen benefits the experience under the night sky provides them. George, a veteran, is a photographer who teaches photography to other veterans in the program, “Spear 3 Photography is the result of my efforts to see as much of the world as I possibly can from as many perspectives as I can – and to share those experiences with as many people as I can. Throughout my life I discovered that art resonates with everyone, particularly in the form of photographs. It’s been said that a good photograph is worth a thousand words; I would add that it allows us the opportunity to peer into worlds where we might not have otherwise had the fortune to experience or learn about.”
Their presentation at the Alpine Public Library is FREE and open to the public.
Photography Workshop
Various Dark Sky Locations
For those who want to take a deeper dive into photographing the night sky, George is offering a workshop out in the field Saturday night! Bring your camera and learn the basics of astrophotography! Their is a fee for the workshop and you must register in advance through the Spear 3 Photography website https://www.spear3photography.com/event-list. Once you register you will be provided details on times and locations for the workshop.
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